Who We Are | Health First

Board of Directors

Fostering the long-term success of independent healthcare practices throughout Vermont

The Health First board consists of a group of local Vermont physicians with experience sustaining an independent practice model. Our guiding principle is to bring our members unique opportunities that are consistent with our mission.

Board members missing from the photo are Susan MacLennan, Judy Orton, and Allison Christie.

ROBERT ARESON, MD

Family Medicine, Richmond Family Medicine

ALLISON CHRISTIE, MD

Family Medicine, Morristown

ARMANDO CIAMPA, MD

Pathology, Morrisville

ROBERT GIERING, MD

Physical Medicine & Rehab, Manchester Center

DAN GOODYEAR, MD (SECRETARY)

Richmond Family Medicine, Richmond

MICHAEL JOHNSON, MD (VICE CHAIR)

Family Medicine, Williston

PHILIP KIELY, MD

Family Medicine, Morristown

ALAN LANDAU, MD

Gastroenterology, Colchester

LESLIE LOCKRIDGE, MD

Hematology/Oncology, Newport

JENNIE LOWELL, MD (CHAIR)

OB/GYN, South Burlington

GREG MCCORMICK, MD (TREASURER)

Ophthalmology, S. Burlington

JUDY ORTON, MD

Pediatrics, Bennington

PAUL PARKER, MD

Pediatrics, Richmond

ADRIANE TROUT, MD

Family Medicine, Williston

MICHAEL VISKER, MD

Pediatrics, Georgia

Staff Members

Susan Ridzon, MS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

A graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Susan spent the first half of her career in clinical research collaborating on various projects including those that examined the effects of diet and exercise in pregnancy, metabolic changes during menopause, and the effect of dietary composition on fat metabolism. Prior to Health First, Susan worked at BlueCross and BlueShield of Vermont as a program manager where she became immersed in the Vermont healthcare reform environment. She has been with Health First since 2015 in various roles and is a passionate believer in the value of independent physician practices as a high value health care option for Vermonters.

Rick Dooley, PA-C

NETWORK CLINICAL CONSULTANT

Rick Dooley joined Health First as the Clinical Quality Director in September 2014, and transitioned to Clinical Network Director in 2018. In that role, Rick has been actively engaged with various organizations and boards across the State. He is currently the Health First representative for independent practices with the Chittenden Accountable Community for Health (CACH), the Advisory Committee for the Green Mountain Care Board, and several ongoing workgroups for OneCare Vermont. Rick holds a B.S. in Biological Science from the University of Vermont, and a Master of Health Professions as a Physician’s Assistant from Northeastern University. He has been a Family Practice Physician Assistant since 1996, and has practiced Family Medicine at Thomas Chittenden Health Center in Williston since 1999.

Paul Reiss, MD

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

One of Health First's founding members in 2010, Paul Reiss continues to be active in the organization. He is an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors, and currently serves as Chief Medical Officer, advising on clinical quality improvement and healthcare reform initiatives. Dr. Reiss is Board Certified in Family Medicine and holds a certificate of added qualification in Sports Medicine. His clinical interests also include pediatrics, maternity care, and procedures. He was the original physician at Evergreen Family Health in Williston, Vermont, which opened in 1990. Dr. Reiss holds a B.S. from Fordham University and earned his M.D. at the University of Rochester before completing a Family Medicine residency at the University of Vermont.