At CLF, we work diligently to support the foundation’s efforts not only through day-to-day operations but also through program development, fundraising, and the administration of grants.
Krystina Colwell
Board President
Dr. Kurt Merkelz, MD
SVP and Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Merkelz is a physician and health care executive, with Compassus for over 17 years, that brings strong leadership and vision in supporting Compassus Living Foundation/Hospice Angels Foundation. Dr. Merkelz has a deep understanding of the needs and burdens faced by individuals requiring hospice involvement. Providing both oversight and direct care during this experience in both urban and rural communities across the country, Dr. Merkelz is there to assist. With strong faith-based values as a husband and father of four, Dr. Merkelz is committed to supporting the communities we serve.
Connie Smith
People Experience Program Manager
Connie Smith joined Compassus in 2016 as a hospice social worker later transitioning to the Home Office. Connie now serves as the People Experience Program Manager where she leads Compassus Cares and Hearts of Gratitude. Connie plays a key role in maintaining relationships, and fundraising for Living Hope in Cape Town, South Africa. Additionally Connie works to achieve workplace belonging for all Compassus team members. Connie is driven by a deep commitment to doing what is right and enhancing the team member experience. Connie believes Compassus is the employer of choice and works every day to make that a reality across the Compassus footprint.
Nicole Medrozo
Board Secretary
Nicole is a New Jersey native where she grew up in a culture-rich environment and met people from all walks of life. Nicole was inspired at a young age to do good and had the audacity to want to make society better. She pursued a career in law with that mindset and earned her JD from Penn State Dickinson School of Law. After a judicial clerkship, Nicole served as a prosecutor and from there, moved to a healthcare, in-house position for a large Academic Medical Center. Thereafter, she worked for a large Law firm in Atlanta, Georgia prior to coming to Compassus. Of the different roles Nicole has served, she has always found the work that serves those in need to be the most rewarding and meaningful. Today, Nicole finds inspiration from her Compassus colleagues who help and serve those in need every day; and from her family, including her two boys who she hopes to instill the same passion to do well and serve others in this world.
Rebecca (Becky) Tillman
Executive Director
Becky has served in the non-profit sector for over 22 years. Starting as a Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, one of Becky’s many responsibilities was to match volunteers with hospice patients in need. This involved looking at personalities and interests on both sides. Over time, this led Becky to finding a new passion and desire and from there, as Executive Director of Hospice Angels, she led the Foundation to its success. In upholding the mission of Hospice Angels Foundation, Becky works primarily with Social Workers in assisting patients and their families who are in financial distress situations. Helping patients live their final days with dignity and quality of life, is her daily goal. Becky is proud to work with such a great Foundation that positively impacts the lives of those in need.
