Staff Members

Joanne Eason

With more than 25 years of marketing experience – centered primarily in the health and insurance industries – Joanne provides strategic counsel on how best to implement the Five Wishes framework. She has led national crisis communication programs, rebranding programs for several health organizations and counseled executives on effective... Read More

Paul Malley

Paul Malley is president of Aging with Dignity, a position to which he was named in 2002. He previously served as the organization’s communications director since 1998. With nearly 20 years of experience in the field of aging and advance care planning, Paul is a national expert, frequent speaker, and advocate for quality and dignified care at the end of life... Read More

Dave Simison

As Vice President of Operations, Dave brings more than fifteen years of experience with Five Wishes and many years serving in the community as an impactful leader of nonprofit boards. His eclectic mix of strong communication skills, strategic and systems thinking, a critical eye, and technical expertise contribute to his ability to successfully steward projects... Read More

Ed Towey

Serving as the organization's vice president for close to a decade, Ed is charged with advocacy and education issues, including monitoring state developments that could affect the 40,000 Five Wishes partner organizations nationwide. He brings more than 30 years experience in broadcasting, management and communications, and has consulted... Read More

Alexis Jacobs

Alexis has a strong history of customer service and a strong legal background, as well as years of work in childcare. Most recently, she worked in public service as the PACE-EH Coordinator for Columbia County. While earning her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida, Alexis served as a volunteer, research assistant, and teaching assistant. She also holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where she was an Editor of the First Amendment Law Review for two years.

Nan O'Kelley

As Partner Relations Manager, Nan provides strategic counsel to our partners on developing strong and effective Advance Care Planning programs. She brings more than 25 years’ experience in the wealth advisor arena, education, non-profit governance and marketing. Nan holds a Master’s degree in Education from the State University of West Georgia and an undergraduate degree from Auburn University. 

Cristina Roof

Cristina Roof assists with the daily operations and customer support functions as Office Manager. She brings nearly a decade of customer relations experience, having worked with a national consumer goods organization prior to joining Five Wishes. Her background in fundraising and sales is an added asset for our partner organizations... Read More

Kathleen Taylor

Kathleen Taylor is our healthcare advisor. With more than 24 years of healthcare and nonprofit experience, she brings her passion to improve the healthcare experience for people who are sick and vulnerable, and to help healthcare professionals master skills in cultivating empathy and communicating compassionately. She previously served as director... Read More