Meet the Team
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.
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Colorectal Surgeon
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
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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
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Cole Guess, MBA
Board Treasurer
Joined the Board in 2023
I joined GCCCF in 2023 as Board Treasure. My primary focus is taxation for corporations, partnerships, individuals, and trusts. I'm incredibly passionate and driven, and I strive to be a great asset to the team. When I'm not in the office, you can usually find me spending quality time with my wife and cat, or out on the golf course enjoying some relaxation.
Henderson, Hutcherson &
McCullough, PLLC
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Derek Holland, MD
Board Secretary
Joined the Board in 2022
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!
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Summer Elliott, MOL
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Executive Director
With a Master's in Organizational Leadership and diverse experience in community marketing, outreach, and program development, I'm committed to empowering underserved communities. As the Executive Director of the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation, I'm focused on fighting this silent killer and ensuring prevention and early detection for all. My leadership skills and dedication to healthcare equity align perfectly with the Foundation's mission, making a significant impact one life at a time.
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Former Community Outreach Manager, Erlanger Health System
Erica Sutton, M.D., FACS
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Joined the Board in 2022
I joined Morehouse School of Medicine in 2019, passionate about academic excellence and healthcare accessibility. I've led initiatives to expand across regional medical campuses, forging partnerships with institutions like CommonSpirit and the More in Common Alliance. I'm thrilled to bring this energy to the GCCCF board to make a difference in this vital cause. Outside academia, I founded Surgery on Sunday Louisville in 2013, providing free surgical care to those without insurance, aiming to bridge healthcare gaps and equitable access to medical treatment.
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Sr. Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education, Morehouse School of Medicine
Alison Sexter
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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,
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Brenda Perry
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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
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Mark Cunningham
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Joined the Board in 2023
I'm Mark Cunningham, leading a nationally recognized healthcare practice. I help healthcare organizations navigate strategy, regulations, and complex transactions. My expertise spans compliance, contracts, and industry trends. I'm committed to providing personalized service and giving back to the community through my work with the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation. Through my roles and experiences, I strive to make a meaningful difference in the healthcare landscape through; expertise, integrity, and dedication.
President & Managing Shareholder
Pipan Wilson
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Joined the Board in 2022
My name is Pipan Wilson, and I'm currently a Senior Manager at Sun Life Insurance, working within their Integrated Absence Organization. I also served my country as a USAF Veteran during Operation Desert Storm. Driven by a desire to help others, I joined the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer board. My background in biotechnology, particularly my knowledge of stem cell therapy, offers valuable insights into the latest advancements in colon cancer research and treatment. I'm excited to share this expertise and passion for making a positive impact in our community.
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Senior Manager/Integration Services
Lori Proctor, MD
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Joined the Board in 2023
I'm passionate about joining the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation board due to a personal connection: my grandfather passed away from late-stage colorectal cancer. I aim to contribute by raising awareness about early detection and screening tools in our community. Together, I believe we can truly make a difference in Chattanooga.
Associated Pathologists
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Jennifer Thompson
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Joined the Board in 2024
With 18 years of experience in acute care and community settings, I bring a wealth of knowledge and compassionate care to my patients. I excel at professional communication and am dedicated to creating individualized care plans. Currently, I serve as a Nurse Manager at 500 South CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga. Previously, I thrived as a Registered Nurse-Charge Nurse, managing a 30-bed cardiac telemetry unit. I am delighted to join the GCCCF board, eager to contribute my expertise to further our shared goals in healthcare excellence.
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Nurse Manager
Dr. Lurie- Ann Swaby, MD
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Joined the Board in 2024
I'm Dr. Laurie-Anne Swaby, a gastroenterology specialist in Chattanooga with over 19 years of experience. I provide tailored care at Academic Gastroenterology and Erlanger Baroness Hospital, addressing common and complex gastrointestinal issues. As a board-certified physician, I stay updated on medical advancements and recently joined the Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation to promote prevention. My passion is making a positive impact on my patients' health and well-being.
Gastroenterologist