Board of Directors
Eric Nelson, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Chairman of the Board
Joined the Board in 2023
Every week it seems, I see a patient with a new diagnosis of colorectal cancer that would have been prevented by following screening guidelines. As a colorectal surgeon, I do my best to help them at whatever point the disease is found. But I'm passionate about helping people prevent disease and, along with healthy lifestyle choices, the best way to prevent colorectal cancer is by getting a screening colonoscopy. I'm proud to join GCCCF in providing both education and assistance in prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer, maximizing the health of our community.
Colorectal Surgeon
University Surgical Associates - Chattanooga
Marshall Horton, MD
Board President
Years on the Board: 8
After retiring from the practice of gastroenterology, I wanted to give back to the community through volunteerism. During my 30 year career, I saw so many people with colon cancer that could have been avoided or found earlier with timely screening. The GCCCF was an opportunity to spread the word “Colonoscopies Save Lives.”
Retired Gastroenterologist,
Galen Medical Group
Helen J. Pinkerton
Board Vice President
Years on the Board: 5
I am very committed to the GCCCF for giving me an opportunity to continue to serve the community by volunteering and sharing my passion of giving back to my community. I am very passionate about the organization’s mission to educate the public about how colonoscopies save lives; as well as its specific target of reaching vulnerable communities of color with this message who are at a high risk of dying from this devastating, yet preventable disease.
Retired Grants, Health Education & Site Manager
Erlanger Community Health Centers
Board Treasurer
Cole Guess joined GCCCF in 2023 AS Board Treasure. He focuses taxation for corporations, partnerships, individuals, and trusts. Passionate and driven, Cole is a great asset to the team. Outside of the office, Cole enjoys spending time with his wife and cat, or on the golf course.
Henderson, Hutcherson &
McCullough, PLLC
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Derek Holland, MD
Joined the Board in 2022
Board Secretary
I am a hematologist and medical oncologist in the Chattanooga community, and have had the privilege of caring for patients with colorectal cancers for the past 16 years. I am also the son of a colon cancer survivor – my mother was diagnosed and treated for stage III colon cancer in 2008. I am excited to join the Board! Through the GCCCF, I can help raise awareness about the importance of life-saving colon cancer screening. My hope is that through education and better access to colonoscopies, fewer patients would ever have to see me in clinic!
Tennessee Oncology
Cole Guess, MBA
Erica Sutton, M.D., FACS
Joined the Board in 2022
Dr. Sutton joined Morehouse School of Medicine in September 2019 to serve as the inaugural Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Affiliations. In this role, she is responsible for the growth of academic programs to regional medical campuses such as the proposed campus in Columbus, GA and those in Chattanooga, TN, Seattle, WA and Lexington KY in partnership with CommonSpirit and the More in Common Alliance. Dr. Sutton is also president and founder of Surgery on Sunday Louisville (SOSL), a nonprofit she founded in 2013 to provide free surgery to people who are uninsured or underinsured.
Alison Sexter
Job Title
Joined the Board in 2019
I'm passionate about the efforts of GCCCF in part because of the people I know who have been impacted by the disease - especially my beloved grandmother who our family lost to colon cancer.
Corporate Communications Specialist, Public Affairs, BCBST
Brenda Perry
Joined the Board in 2023
I have had the honor of working as an RN in GI
for more than 30 years. Being a member of the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation board allows me to share my clinical knowledge and experience to reach the community. I have a passion to increase colon cancer awareness through education and screening.
Clinical Coordinator GI Lab
Parkridge Medical Center
Mark Cunningham
Joined the Board in 2023
President & Managing Shareholder
Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.
Pipan Wilson
Joined the Board in 2022
Senior Manager/Integration Services
Sun Life
Lori Proctor, MD
Joined the Board in 2023
My interest in serving on the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation board is personal: my paternal grandfather died at the age of 56 years of stage IV colorectal adenocarcinoma. By serving on the Board, my hope is that I can help make a difference in my own community, to help educate the community as to the early signs and symptoms of colorectal adenocarcinoma and to encourage people to use the early detection screening tools that we have at hand. I believe that by partnering with the community and working toward the same goal, we can make a real difference in the Greater Chattanooga Community.
Associated Pathologists
Parkridge Medical Center
Summer Elliott, MOL
Executive Director
With my Master's in Organizational Leadership and diverse experience in community marketing, outreach, and program development, I'm passionate about closing resource gaps and empowering underserved communities to thrive. I've navigated patient needs, raised awareness about critical health issues, and advocated for mental health equity. Now, my commitment finds focus in the crucial fight against colon cancer as the Executive Director of the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation.
This silent killer disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, and I envision a future where prevention and early detection are readily available for all. My dedication to community-driven solutions and unwavering passion for tackling healthcare disparities perfectly align with the Foundation's mission. I believe my leadership skills, program development expertise, and deep understanding of community needs will make a significant impact.
Leading GCCCF isn't just a career goal; it's a personal mission to empower communities and build a healthier world, one life at a time.
Former Community Outreach Manager, Erlanger Health System
Assistant Director of Stability Services, Partnership for Family Children and Adults