Project ECHO Executive Leadership

Driving solutions for health and wellbeing

Core Support and Operations

Dr. Karla Thornton

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, 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

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. Today, he supports Project ECHO’s efforts in New Mexico.

Kartik Dhar

Chief Technology Officer

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

Jess Jones, Ph.D.

Research and Evaluation Director

A professional “data wrangler” with 15 years of experience under her belt, Jones leads the team providing research, evaluation and data science services. She also leads the organization’s data strategy and development.

Deb Trevino

Communications Director

With more than 30 years of experience spearheading reputation-building strategies for global marketing and communications organizations, Trevino supports ECHO’s growth by highlighting its impact on underserved communities around the world.

Lynn Waln

Chief Administrative Officer

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

Geographic Leadership

Dr. Matt Bouchonville

New Mexico Medical Director

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

Caroline Kisia

Africa Director

A psychiatrist based in Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Kisia 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

New Mexico and National Programs Director

With 20 years of nonprofit and government leadership experience, Knowles believes the ECHO Model’s greatest impact happens at the intersection of our New Mexico roots and our partners’ national reach, improving lives across the United States.

Dr. Bruce Struminger

Global Health Initiatives Director

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

Andrea Zurawski, RN, MSN

Latin America Director

A bilingual nurse leader, Zurawski oversees the growth of ECHO across Latin America and directs ECHO Programs for diabetes and chronic conditions across New Mexico. She specializes in designing cross-cultural initiatives that improve access in underserved communities.