Leadership

Board of Directors

Mindy Kursban is general counsel for Family & Nursing Care, a home care company founded by her mother in 1968 and now the nation's largest single-location private-duty home care company.

Vegetarian since 1992 after learning about the cruelty inherent in meat production, Mindy made the switch to veganism in 1999, coupled with becoming the in-house attorney for the Physicians Committee, a position she held until 2007. Her first assignment was to sue the U.S. Department of Agriculture for establishing a committee tasked with updating the Dietary Guidelines for Americans whose members were riddled with financial links to the meat, dairy, and egg industries. Thereafter, she filed several more lawsuits and petitions against the federal government and multinational corporations like Kraft and Tyson, demanding changes in nutritional policy and truthfulness in marketing.

Her time working at the Physicians Committee and the knowledge she's gained since have profoundly impacted Mindy's health, values, and lifestyle for the better. In addition to becoming a licensed Food for Life instructor in 2024, Mindy is honored to serve as the chair of the board of directors for the Physicians Committee and a member of its President’s Council.

Ruby Lathon, PhD, is a certified holistic nutritionist who inspires with a powerful story of recovering from thyroid cancer through alternative treatment focused on a whole food, plant-based diet. Dr. Lathon was featured in the hit documentary What the Health and will be featured in two upcoming health documentaries. Dr. Lathon worked as a researcher and an award-winning engineer and now teaches others how to re-engineer their health and live disease-free.

Dr. Lathon received her doctorate and Master of Science in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Oakwood University. Before leaving behind her successful engineering career, Dr. Lathon served as vice president of an engineering and management consulting firm and was a senior engineer at Sandia National Laboratories, a national security research laboratory. She also served as a research fellow at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.

Learn more about Dr. Lathon at:  www.RubyLathon.com 

Mark Sklar, MD, is a board-certified endocrinologist and internist. He received his medical degree at the Boston University Medical Center in Boston, Mass. His residency in internal medicine was at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Subsequently, he participated in an endocrinology fellowship at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. While there, he worked in the laboratory of Peter Nissley, MD, studying the developmental regulation of the insulin-like growth factor-2/mannose 6-phosphate receptor. In 1990, he joined the faculty in the endocrinology division at the Georgetown University Medical Center as an assistant professor of medicine. While at Georgetown University, Dr. Sklar was involved in patient care, clinical research, and teaching. His research interests were focused on the effects of the influence of diet on the control of type 2 diabetes. In 1996, he worked with the Physicians Committee to design and execute a study examining the effects of a high-fiber, low-fat vegan diet in patients with type 2 diabetes. In 1997, Dr. Sklar left Georgetown University to start a private practice in Washington, D.C., specializing in the field of endocrinology. Since that time, he has been on the board of directors of the Physicians Committee and has periodically worked with the Physicians Committee on outpatient clinical studies.

Dr. Sklar is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and has been recognized yearly as a Washingtonian Top Doctor.

Barbara Wasserman, MD, is a graduate of Barnard College and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at Rochester General and Strong Memorial Hospitals in Rochester, N.Y. Dr. Wasserman is board-certified in internal medicine, preventive medicine, and occupational medicine. She has held the position of director of occupational medicine at the National Institutes of Health, National Naval Medical Center, and Potomac Electric Power Company.

Dr. Wasserman has been a member of the Physicians Committee since 2002 and a board member for Physicians Committee-affiliated organizations since 2007. Since 1965, she has been married to Marty Wasserman, MD, who volunteers as the Physicians Committee’s safety officer for clinical research. She and Marty are passionate about ending animal experiments and have been instrumental in many campaign victories, including the Great Ape Protection Act and ending the use of animals in medical schools. They are the proud parents of Brad and Torrey, who also support the Physicians Committee’s work.

President’s Council

Dr. Milton Berkman is a retired orthodontist living in Cornelius, NC, outside of Charlotte. He is one of the founding supporters of the Barnard Medical Center and credits a plant-based diet for his improved health. Milton and his wife Arlene started the Foundation for RespectAbility in 2011 and Arlene is the executive director. The foundation has educators and artists who run programs in local schools to confront bullying and promote social justice through music, education and the creative arts. Milt and his wife Arlene have enjoyed involving their children and grandchildren in their philanthropy. He is also an avid traveler and nature photographer. 

Dr. Brooke Bussard is a health coach, nutrition educator, and speaker whose focus revolves around choosing to eat plants over animals for human health, animal compassion, and environmental sustainability. 

As a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Medicine, she loves to quote Thomas Jefferson, “Health is the requisite after morality,” as this sentiment ties together many aspects of a plant-based lifestyle.

Through her company, Plants Over Animals, Brooke works with individuals and families to help them transition to a plant-filled kitchen. As a Physicians Committee Food for Life instructor, Brooke strives to spread the word about the prevention and reversal of chronic lifestyle diseases with a whole food, plant-based diet.

Whenever possible, Brooke enjoys hiking in the Rocky Mountains with her vegan family and their German shepherd.

Charlotte Cressey, M.A. Women's Spirituality, is an animal liberation activist and educator, Chopra-Center certified meditation instructor, originator of Earth Energy Yoga®, ecofeminist, lover of life, and enthusiast for the many benefits of a vegan lifestyle and worldview.  

Her concern for animals began at three years old, when she refused to eat meat after asking her parents, "Did a cow have to die for me to eat this?"  Since then, she has been on a quest to understand how to inspire positive change in humans so that all animals may be free. 

As a long-time vegan and activist of 21 years, Charlotte believes in the revolutionary power of Love and challenges the cultural tendency to believe that cruelty and callousness is a necessary part of "getting by."   Through her company, Embody Love, Charlotte provides presentations, courses, and Earth Energy Yoga classes, which assist people in unearthing the infinite wellspring of joy, love, compassion, and wisdom within. She views veganism, mindfulness, and embodied movement as part of a larger goal to create a peaceful, harmonious existence for humans, animals, and the Earth. 

Andy Funk is an entrepreneur, impact investor, endurance athlete, daddy of triplets, and a lover of life.  He is the founder and managing partner of Funk Ventures and co-founder of Pink Lotus Breast Center. 

Anthony (Tony) Fleischmann is the president of Reeves International, Inc., a company founded by his father in 1946 and now best known for its Breyer brand of high quality, highly detailed premier model horses, other equine themed toys, gifts and collectibles, and also BreyerFest, the largest equine festival in the United States, which takes place in Lexington, KY and is now in its 35th year.

Tony grew up in North New Jersey, graduated from Princeton University, was a commercial pilot in Europe and did his military service in the Swiss Army at the age of 23.  At the age of 30 he returned to the US to join Reeves which he ultimately acquired.  During his tenure, Breyer has developed numerous successful partnerships and programs with nonprofits in the areas of animal welfare, equine-assisted therapy as well as child welfare and education, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for these causes and organizations.

In his personal time, Tony is active developing and implementing trap, spay / neuter, adopt programs to reduce feline homelessness.  He has been a long-time advocate for both prohibiting the use of animals in science, medical education and testing as well as the plant-based diet and lifestyle.

Dr. Kristi Funk is a board-certified breast cancer surgeon who, alongside her husband, Andy Funk, cofounded the Pink Lotus Breast Center in Los Angeles. She has helped thousands of women through breast cancer treatment, including well-known celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Sheryl Crow. Dr. Funk is a frequent cohost on The Doctors and breast expert on Good Morning America, and has appeared on The View, Today, The Dr. Oz Show, CNN, and numerous other national and local television and news shows. While writing the national bestseller BREASTS: The Owners Manual, Dr. Funk’s research led her entire family to become 100% plant-based. She lives in Southern California with Andy and their triplet sons.

Dr. Funk is an active promoter of the Let’s Beat Breast Cancer campaign and hosted PCRM’s 35^th Anniversary Celebration in December 2020. 

Dr. Mark Hammond is an internal medicine physician with almost 40 years of experience. He’s co-founder of Inpatient Physicians of the Mid-South, one of the largest independent hospitals and long-term care groups in the country. Dr. Hammond practiced in Memphis, Tenn., during most of his career and has served as a medical expert in numerous jurisdictions around the country. He has had a front-row seat to the strengths and weaknesses of our health care systems. He and his wife Rhonda recently moved to Fairhope, Ala., where he now serves as an adjunct professor in the newly created Department of Integrative Health and Wellness at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Hammond is a long-term member of the American Medical Association, Tennessee Medical Association, and other organizations and believes that the Physicians Committee is taking its rightful seat in mainstream medicine. He is excited about his role in advancing this cause and bringing about positive changes in the approaches to chronic diseases.

Moby is a musician, singer, songwriter, producer, animal rights activist, restaurateur, and author. He has sold over 20 million records worldwide and his newest book Then It Fell Apart is now available. In 2018 Moby sold his recording equipment and record collection to benefit PCRM’s work. His latest album, All Visible Objects includes PCRM in the charities benefitting from the album’s profits. 

Christine and Peter met in Washington, D.C., while attending college. As students they both worked at various restaurants in Georgetown and in 1977 launched their own restaurant on Long Beach Island in New Jersey. The work was hard, and the hours were long, but they soon earned a loyal following. Along the way they became parents to three and grandparents to four.

In 2006 they opened a second location on the mainland, and along with the usual fare, they added a plant-based menu. After 39 years in the restaurant business, the Russos sold both restaurants with only one regret: They wished that they had become part of the whole food, plant-based movement sooner. They greatly admire Chef Daniel Humm, who after the pandemic, reopened his world-famous restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, with a completely plant-based menu. He went on to earn a rating of three Michelin stars for his innovation.

Like many in the restaurant industry, Christine and Peter realize the enormous impact that our food choices have on our health, the health of the planet, and the lives of animals suffering unspeakable cruelty. It is their great desire to shine light on the good and important work of the Physicians Committee and to help spread the word of the benefits of a whole food, plant-based diet.

Dr. Richard Schmidt is a distinguished physician and dedicated advocate in the field of reproductive medicine. After earning his undergraduate degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Schmidt embarked on a mission to support individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood. As the Medical Director and Practice Director at NOVA IVF, he is passionately committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care, guiding his patients through the complexities of fertility treatment with empathy and expertise.

Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Schmidt is a fervent exercise enthusiast and vegan advocate. Adopting a plant-based diet nine years ago for health and environmental reasons, he has since become a vocal proponent of animal protection. His commitment to a whole food, plant-based lifestyle led him to become a certified Food for Life instructor, enabling him to educate his patients and colleagues on the profound benefits of dietary choices on overall well-being.

In addition to his medical and advocacy work, Dr. Schmidt is deeply involved in regenerative agriculture. He manages a diverse array of agricultural ventures, including the cultivation of citrus, avocados, and olives, and oversees a family-run winery, Moose Mountain Vineyards, located in San Martin and Paso Robles. At the winery, he focuses on producing lower-alcohol wines using organic and regenerative techniques, reflecting his dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Dr. Schmidt also takes great joy in his family life. He is the proud father of five children and grandfather to three, and he is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge of regenerative farming with the next generation. Through his multifaceted career and personal pursuits, Dr. Schmidt embodies a holistic approach to health, sustainability, and family, making a positive impact in every aspect of his life.

Alicia Sirkin, President’s Council Chair, is an internationally known personal life coach who founded and is director of the Sirkin Creative Living Center, located virtually and based in South Florida. It’s been more than 40 years since she reversed symptoms of chronic illness by adopting a whole foods, plant-based, healing-prevention diet and lifestyle, which she continues today, supporting PCRM’s efforts in educating the public to take charge of their health. Alicia teaches how to restore positivity and enhance success by self-correcting negative mindsets, letting go of unwanted patterns and living in the present to experience greater harmony, vibrancy, and joy. Before her coaching career, she worked as a licensed dental professional for more than a decade, and, she served as Vice President of a custom homebuilding company for nearly 20 years while working as a union actress in TV commercial, print, and voice-over industries. Alicia’s expertise has been featured in national radio programs, TV shows, and health and wellness articles. She co-authored the globally recognized Bach Flower Remedies Quick Reference Guide, contributed for Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide, Alternative Medicine Magazine, and her co-authored scientific research is published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Complementary Health Practice Review.

Gwyn Whittaker is the owner/CEO of GreenFare Organic Cafe in Herndon, VA, an educational restaurant serving organic, whole plant food as well as hosting classes, book signings, and dinner and a movie night.

After a decades long successful career in the IT field and national security where she started and ran a big data company for ten years, Gwyn now devotes herself to growing the plant-based community and helping others take control of their own health through her restaurant, as a PCRM Food for Life instructor and graduate of Cornell’s Plant Based Certification.

She is a co-Producer of Diet Fiction and an Executive Producer of The Game Changers. Gwyn is also a Certified Master Gardener and currently working on a plant-based cookbook for dogs.  She sits on a number of Boards in the technology space, leads Governance for the Humane Rescue Alliance Board of Directors, and is on the Board of the DC Environmental Film Festival. She started and is leading the second Fairfax Veg Fest. Gwyn served as Physicians Committee’s President’s Council Chair from 2020-2022.