Our Mission · Leadership
Leading Healthcare's Future in Illinois
Illinois HOSA is guided by an executive team, a volunteer board of directors, state staff, and elected student state officers: educators, health professionals, and students working together for every chapter in the state.
Board of Directors
Seven volunteer directors guiding statewide strategy
Program Year
2025–2026 officer and staff team in service
State Staff
Six coordinators running conferences and communications
Student State Officers
Eleven elected students leading Illinois HOSA
Who leads
Executive Leadership
Day-to-day direction of Illinois HOSA sits with the executive team, working with the Illinois State Board of Education.
Kristin Pila
IL HOSA Executive Director & State Advisor
Leads statewide operations, supports section advisors, and represents Illinois HOSA to national HOSA and state partners.
ContactLisa Dunham
Associate State Director
Supports chapter growth, advisor onboarding, and conference operations across all eight sections.
Contact
State agency partner
Shaista Saiyad, ISBE Consultant
Connects Illinois HOSA to the Illinois State Board of Education and career and technical education programs statewide.
Governance
Board of Directors
The board sets direction, approves the annual plan of work, and represents advisors, alumni, and health professionals across Illinois.
Dr. Nana Bonsu
Board Chair
Laura Turngren
Vice Chair
Amanda Long
Secretary
Jackie Gordon
Board Member at Large
Karen Koester
Board Member at Large
Joel Swanson
Board Member at Large
Taylor Petersen
Alumni at Large
Board seats are held by section advisors, alumni, and healthcare professionals. Vacancies and terms are announced ahead of the State Leadership Conference each spring.
Behind every event
State Staff
State staff run the conferences, the symposium, communications, and the state officer program that chapters rely on all year.
Elected by their peers
2025–2026 Student State Officers
Eleven students lead Illinois HOSA statewide, running general sessions, representing members nationally, and supporting chapters in every section.
Ryan Santhoshkumar
President
Libertyville High School
Aanya Rangaiahgari
Vice President
Champaign Central High School
Amber Chang
Secretary
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Arush Vangala
Treasurer
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Sathvika Mannava
Reporter
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Raghav Tuppal
Parliamentarian
Dunlap High School
Sahiti Viswanadha
Sentinel
Normal Community High School
Elly Jeon
Historian
Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Shrijit Senthilkumar
Northern Area VP
Normal Community High School
Akshara Vamaraju
Southern Area VP
Dunlap High School
Praveer Garapati
Student Member at Large
Normal Community High School
Get involved
Lead With Us
There is a leadership seat for students, advisors, alumni, and health professionals. Here is how to take one.
State Officer Positions
Students in good standing run for state office each spring at the State Leadership Conference. Candidates complete an application, secure advisor endorsement, and campaign before the voting delegates.
- · Open to secondary and postsecondary members
- · Advisor endorsement and chapter approval required
- · One-year term, June through May
Advisory Council & State Staff
Advisors, alumni, and healthcare professionals serve on the board, coordinate conferences, and judge competitive events. Volunteer roles range from a single event to a full program year.
- · Board and committee service
- · Conference and symposium coordination
- · Competitive event judging and mentorship
Questions about leadership roles? Illinois HOSA · PO Box 46018, Chicago IL 60646 · (708) 974-7227 · illinoishosa32@gmail.com
Your turn
Step Into State Leadership
Every state officer started as a chapter member. Find your chapter, build your record of service, and lead Illinois HOSA next.