Santa Fe Group Announces 2026 Leadership Transition

The Santa Fe Group is pleased to announce its leadership transition effective January 1, 2026, reflecting the organization’s continued commitment to advancing oral health through prevention, access, and integrated care. 

Dushanka V. Kleinman has assumed the role of President of the Santa Fe Group. Dr. Kleinman brings deep experience in oral health policy, research, and leadership, and has been an active and engaged member of the Group’s Executive leadership. In her new role, she will guide the Group’s strategic priorities and ongoing work to elevate dialogue and action around oral health integration and equity. 

Nader A. Nadershahi has stepped into the role of Vice President. Dr. Nadershahi has been a longstanding contributor to the Santa Fe Group’s work and brings a strong academic and systems-level perspective to oral health education, workforce development, and interprofessional collaboration. He will support the President and help shape the Group’s future initiatives and leadership pipeline. 

Ralph Fuccillo transitions to the role of Immediate Past President after completing his term as President. Under his leadership, the Santa Fe Group strengthened its national presence, expanded cross-sector partnerships, and continued to center equity and access as core pillars of its work. The organization is deeply grateful for his leadership and ongoing guidance. 

Terri A. Dolan completed her term as Immediate Past President and was thanked for her many years of senior leadership service. Her contributions include the successful Health Equity Summit, co-led with Ralph Fuccillo, as well as a comprehensive review of the Santa Fe Group’s first 25 years, which helped establish new programmatic and organizational goals and processes. Dr. Dolan will continue to serve as a Board member and trusted advisor to the leadership team. 

The Santa Fe Group’s Executive Management Committee will also remain in place, ensuring continuity as the organization moves into this next chapter. The Committee includes Judi Haber, who will continue to serve as Secretary and Chair of the Communications Committee, and Foti Panagakos, who will continue in his role as Treasurer. The Committee also includes Judy Jones, Chair of the Governance Committee, and Linda Niessen, Chair of the Strategic Advisory Council, providing ongoing leadership and guidance across the Group’s core areas of work.

Together, the incoming leadership reflects continuity, experience, and forward momentum as the Santa Fe Group advances its work as a catalyst for positioning oral health as an integral component of overall health and well-being. This work is carried forward in collaboration with the Group’s members, advisors, and partners across a network in health, policy, education, and industry, who collectively advance dialogue, innovation, and systems-level change.