Leadership at Project ECHO

Find below a list of our executive team leaders

Geographic Leadership

Dr. Matthew Bouchonville

New Mexico Medical Director

Dr. Bouchonville leads Project ECHO’s efforts in diabetes care. A board-certified endocrinologist with 25 years of clinical and academic experience, he directs multiple initiatives advancing health equity and chronic disease management in underserved communities.

Saul Hernandez

New Mexico Programs Director

With an extensive background in health education and public health, Saúl Hernández drives growth and development for Project ECHO’s New Mexico health and civics programs.

Dr. Caroline Kisia

Africa Director

A psychiatrist based in Nairobi, Kenya, Caroline leads the growth and development of the ECHO Model throughout Africa. She brings 25 years of leadership experience in the health, humanitarian and development sectors in Africa.

Kyky Knowles

United States Programs Director
Interim Director, Partner Development and Support

With decades of nonprofit and government leadership experience, Kyky Knowles leads the strategic expansion of ECHO programs across the U.S. and supports one of the ECHO Institute’s core services: training organizations to use the ECHO Model.

Dr. Bruce Struminger

Global Health Initiatives Director

A global public health expert and infectious disease physician, Dr. Bruce Struminger served as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s country director in Vietnam and Côte d’Ivoire. For Project ECHO, Dr. Struminger leads program development in low- and middle-income countries.

Andrea Zurawski, RN

Latin America Director
New Mexico Diabetes Initiatives Director

Andrea Zurawski oversees the growth of ECHO across Latin American and directs ECHO programs for diabetes and chronic conditions across New Mexico. A bilingual nurse leader, she specializes in empowering frontline health workers and designing cross-cultural, team-based initiatives that improve access in underserved communities.

Core Services and Operations

Dr. Karla Thornton

Interim Executive Director

Dr. Thornton stepped in to lead Project ECHO in April 2025. She has been a part of Project ECHO for more than 20 years, improving access to health care and treatment for hepatitis C in New Mexico and around the world.

Leah Willis

Chief of Staff

Bringing more than 20 years of experience in health care strategy, policy, telehealth, and program development, Leah Willis drives key initiatives; aligns strategy, execution and resources; and acts on behalf of Project ECHO’s executive director as needed.

David Jablonski

Deputy Chief of Staff

David Jablonski is leading Project ECHO’s efforts in New Mexico. An air force veteran and former cabinet secretary of New Mexico’s Corrections Department, Jablonski brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in government operations and public policy.

Ben Cloutier

Strategy and Communications Senior Director

With a decade of experience leading in communications, public policy and management across the public sector and nonprofits, Ben Cloutier leads global communications and strategic initiatives for Project ECHO.

Kartik Dhar

Chief Technology Officer

With an extensive background in consulting, launching an ecommerce startup and developing ECHO’s technology solutions, Kartik Dhar oversees Project ECHO’s technology vision and strategy, as well as the development and implementation of the iECHO platform.

Jess Jones, Ph.D.

Research and Data Insights Director

A professional “data wrangler” with, Jess Jones leads the team providing research, evaluation, and data science services. She also leads the organization’s data strategy and opportunity development.

Lynn Waln

Chief Administrative Officer

With 35 years of finance experience, Lynn Waln oversees ECHO’s administrative functions, including: finance, grants, human resources, information technology services, joint accreditation and more.