Prevent Cancer Foundation welcomes new members to its board of directors

As a senior policy advisor at Akin Gump, Caryn Dyson enhances the effectiveness of clients’ political contributions. She also leads Akin’s bipartisan political action committee, directing the firm’s political activities during election cycles with Democratic House and Senate campaigns. Ms. Dyson is a seasoned expert in Democratic politics and worked for then-Representative Vic Fazio (D-Calif.) for over two decades. (The late Rep. Fazio served on the Foundation’s board of directors from 2015 until his death in 2022.) Ms. Dyson also served as a professional staff member in the office of Sen. John Breaux (D-La.).

Ted Okon is a nationally recognized expert on the policy and politics of cancer care. As executive director of the Community Oncology Alliance, Mr. Okon oversees the strategic direction of the organization dedicated to patients and providers in the community cancer care setting. He has authored numerous articles and studies related to cancer care policy and politics, reimbursement and clinical issues. Mr. Okon has also testified before Congress on cancer issues, with areas of expertise including the cost of cancer treatment, health care reform, Medicare reimbursement, drug shortages and the changing landscape of cancer care delivery in the U.S.

Shanta Whitaker-Toney, Ph.D., MPH, is a managing director of Continuum Health Group, a public health and health disparities policy firm. She is also a senior vice president in the health policy group at government affairs firm Venn Strategies. Previously, Dr. Whitaker-Toney worked as a health policy consultant for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services while at LMI. In this role, she served as a subject matter expert on Medicare and Medicaid Shared Savings Programs and worked closely with Accountable Care Organizations.

The Williams Group is led by Michael “Mike” Williams. Mr. Williams has more than two decades of experience in business advocacy and strategic communication, as well as federal and state government service. Prior to founding The Williams Group, he was a managing director of Credit Suisse in the Public Policy Americas division. Mr. Williams served as special assistant to the president and staff Director for legislative affairs during the Clinton administration. He has worked in numerous election campaigns at all levels and has served as a congressional liaison for the National Democratic Convention for over 14 years.