Our Team

In dedicating her career to education and research of sickle cell disease and related disorders, Ms. Brown has served a variety of healthcare-related non-profits. Currently, she is the Board Chair for the Community Health Charities of California, and also a board member of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, and Painted Turtle Camp, a summer camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. She also lends her leadership skills serving as the Director of Camp Crescent Moon. In 2012, Ms. Brown was recognized for her work by the American Camp Association when she received the Legacy Award for the ACA Southern California/Hawaii section. Ms. Brown is a graduate of California State University, Los Angeles where she earned her B.A. in education and psychology.

Living with severe hemophilia, Randall Curtis has translated his condition into a benefit to others. His real-life experiences have led him to develop hemophilia database systems, collaborate with the Universal Data Collection Working Group at the CDC in Atlanta, and serve 25 years at the Genetic Disease Branch of the California Department of Health Services. Mr. Curtis holds a B.S. in Genetics, an M.B.A. in Computer Information Systems, and is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He has presented data at national and international meetings, and is currently working on the Hemophilia Utilization Group Study (HUGS).

With more than 30 years of experience in hematology, Dr. Michael Tarantino has devoted his career to the care and advancement of treatment for individuals with bleeding and blood clotting disorders. He is the Founder, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Executive Officer of the Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute, and also serves as Medical Director of the Anticoagulation Consultation Service at St. Francis Medical Center. A tenured Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Dr. Tarantino is actively involved in teaching and research. He earned his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and is board certified in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.

With more than 15 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit development, Michele Warner serves as Director of Development at the Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California. She brings extensive expertise in revenue development, donor engagement, grant writing, and event support, having held leadership roles with organizations including March of Dimes, AltaMed Health Services, and The Archer School for Girls. As a parent of a child with severe hemophilia, Michele is deeply committed to advancing support, education, and resources for individuals and families affected by bleeding disorders in Southern California.

With more than 30 years of experience in healthcare policy and government pricing programs, Derek Robertson brings deep expertise in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, 340B Program compliance, and federal drug pricing regulations. He currently serves as Managing Director of Apogenics, Inc., providing 340B Program management services and mock HRSA audits for Hemophilia Treatment Centers. Mr. Robertson has held leadership roles across the hemophilia community, including with the National Hemophilia Foundation, academic medical centers, and the biopharmaceutical industry. He holds an MBA from Baruch College and a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center.

With more than three decades of experience in public accounting, Troy Abercrombie serves as Director of Accounting and Auditing Services and Chief Financial Officer at Talley, LLP. He provides financial leadership and advisory services to entrepreneurial businesses, with particular experience in manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and transportation. His expertise includes financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, and strategic business planning. Mr. Abercrombie is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of California State University, Fullerton, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business.