PATIENTS’ RIGHTS ACTION FUND
Leadership
As an organization with thousands of active volunteers nationwide, the Patients’ Rights Action Fund relies on a team of dedicated leaders that brings years of expertise in public policy legislation and advocacy to the fight against assisted suicide.
Matt Vallière
President / Executive Director
Matt is a respected leader in the fight to end assisted suicide laws amongst PRAF’s many allies across the political and worldview spectra. He has spent years building bridges and developing relationships that have helped to forge a movement. Matt engages in public discourse as a thought leader in opposition to this dangerous and discriminatory public policy. He has been published in media outlets such as The Washington Post, The Hill, Real Clear Politics, and Newsweek, among others.
Tim Rosales
Political Director
Tim has worked with PRAF for almost a decade and has been an advocate against assisted suicide for twice as long. Tim is a well-respected public affairs professional and has been integral to the diverse right-left coalition in California. Tim has brought vital knowledge and experience to bear in the movement.
María José Fernandez Flores
Coalitions Director
María José leads our coalitions team, doing the painstaking bridge-building to bring together the many disparate groups and individuals into broad-based coalitions to fight assisted suicide proposals and expansions in the states. Her experience in direct lobbying and coalitions on civil rights – including assisted suicide, restorative justice, immigrant rights, victim empowerment, and advocacy on behalf of incarcerated persons – is invaluable.
Barbara Lyons
Special Projects Coordinator
Following an impressive 40-year career working in public policy and advocacy for human dignity and healthcare equality, Barbara served as Coalitions Director for PRAF for 7 years. Now officially retired, Barbara will give occasional support to PRAF as Special Projects Coordinator.
Ian McIntosh
Deputy Director of Disability Outreach
Ian has long personal experiences with the intersection of disability and healthcare and has advocated for and written on various topics, having been published in the International Journal of Disability, Community, & Rehabilitation. Ian’s professional experience in outreach is also informed by his leadership with labor union organization in his native Ontario, Canada. Ian handles the accessibility for and outreach to leaders in the disability rights movement and the disability community.
Tristen Seagondollar
Vice President of Development
Tristen is a premiere development professional having worked for a number of causes including Habitat For Humanity and a home for homeless pregnant women in Southern California. She brings her passion and heart for human dignity to this mission as we work to meet the needs of patients.
Jeremy Paff
Operations Director
Jeremy handles all of PRAF’s accounts payable and receivable. He navigates contract negotiations with executive staff and is a resource to our team for employment matters. His experience in venture capital and financial analysis is key to keeping PRAF’s lights on.
Allyson Howell
Communications Associate
In her role at PRAF, Allyson is responsible for sharing the vision and mission in a clear and compelling way. Her years of experience well-position Allyson to oversee social media, design, content creation, and marketing. She is a passionate advocate for human dignity.
