Honorary National Chairman

Courtney Lyder, ND, GNP, FAAN
Dr. Lyder is a respected researcher in patient safety and geriatric nursing as well as a leading advocate for healthcare diversity.  He is currently the Dean of the School of Nursing at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).  Prior to UCLA, Dr. Lyder served on the faculties of the Schools of Nursing at the University of Virginia and Yale University.

As a senior consultant to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Lyder has played a central role in shaping federal policies related to elder care.  One of his key interests involves identifying early indicators of tissue damage that could help identify pressure ulcers before they become a problem.
Dr. Lyder has published more than 165 books, book chapters, articles and abstracts, and presented more than 500 lectures throughout the United States and abroad.  Dr. Lyder’s experience and expertise will be invaluable to the Coalition’s mission and purpose.

President and Executive Chair

 Heather Hettrick, PT, PhD, MLT, CWS, FACCWS

After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Puget Sound, Dr. Hettrick received her Masters of Physical Therapy from Chapman University and her PhD from Nova Southeastern University.  She has devoted her career to wound care and is a Diplomat in and board certified as a Wound Specialist by the American Academy of Wound Management (www.aawm.org) and a Fellow of the American College of Certified Wound Specialists (www.theccws.org).  She is certified as a Manual Lymph Therapist by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies (www.acols.com).

In addition to teaching at New York University and Drexel University, Dr. Hettrick was the rehabilitation research coordinator at the William Randolph Hearst Burn Center – New York Presbyterian Hospital and was a master clinician at the Hospital for Joint Diseases – Diabetic Foot and Ankle Center.  She is Past President of the American Academy of Wound Management and sits on the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel to name a few of her affiliations.  She publishes frequently and is a nationally recognized voice of wound care education.
Besides her work with the Coalition, Dr. Hettrick serves as the Vice President – Academic Affairs and Education for American Medical Technologies.

E-mail to: h.hettrick@deconsolidatenow.org

Vice President – Executive Director

 Michael D. Watson, Esq.

After careers in Banking/Finance, Law Enforcement and Import/Export Transportation Management, Mr. Watson joined the Federal Medicare Program in 1986 as the Presiding Officer for Administrative Appeals Hearings.  During his 16-year tenure, Mr. Watson heard and adjudicated more than 35,000 Medicare Appeals involving Part-A, Part-B and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS).  He became a nationally recognized expert in the Medicare Administrative Appeals process.
In addition to his work with the Coalition, Mr. Watson is the Vice President – Governmental Affairs and Corporate Compliance Officer for American Medical Technologies.  He has participated with CMS in the development of the DMEPOS Supplier Standards.  He currently sits on the Provider Outreach and Education Advisory Committee for DME-MAC Jurisdiction A; and is active with the Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes Campaign (www.nhqualitycampaign.org).

E-mail to: m.watson@deconsolidatenow.org