MCV Foundation Welcomes Four New Trustees

Behind any inspiring mission are dedicated leaders who understand the importance of building a coalition of support. 

At the MCV Foundation, our board of trustees drives the mission forward through volunteer service and support for world-class education, lifesaving patient care and groundbreaking medical research at VCU Health and VCU Health Sciences. 

This year, the foundation named four new trustees who began their terms July 1. Each member brings impressive experience and expertise to the role that will help open doors and build relationships that fuel productive partnerships.  

“I am grateful to each of these individuals for their willingness to say yes to the opportunity to serve,” said Susan G. Kornstein, M.D., chair of the board’s Governance Committee. “Our board is so fortunate to benefit from talented individuals who volunteer their time and expertise to help enhance the foundation’s reputation and expand our ability to support education, patient care and research on the MCV Campus.” 

Foundation trustees are volunteers who provide strategic leadership that helps advance the foundation’s work to support and foster VCU Health and VCU Health Sciences through philanthropy, stewardship, innovation, communications and collaboration. 

“Each individual will help deepen the foundation's connections to campus and the community. In addition to their individual skills and talents, they will also add valuable perspectives to the issues and decisions we face,” said Steve Gaidos, board chair. "They will be a valuable part of financial stewardship and continuing to honor the intent of our donors. I look forward to working with them to build support for VCU’s health sciences schools and VCU Health System’s global reputation for excellence, innovation and world class care."

About the New Trustees  

Jack Hager is the vice president of global accounts for AVI-SPL, an enterprise audio-visual integration company based in Tampa, Fla. Hager has responsibility for the Global Account teams that provide technology solutions and services, which include many global health care and pharmaceutical companies. He earned a B.A. in managerial economics from Hampden-Sydney College and an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Hager has successfully served in various executive roles, both for large publicly traded companies and smaller private equity-owned companies. He has also served on the board of directors for a privately held company, as well as in volunteer and leadership roles for various clubs and organizations. 

Susan Learned, M.D., Pharm.D., Ph.D., is the president and founder of the Learned Consulting Group, which provides overall research and development, clinical pharmacology and medicines development strategic and execution support to pharmaceutical companies. She brings more than 25 years of experience in pharmaceuticals spanning all phases of drug discovery and development. Dr. Learned currently serves as chief scientific officer and head of research and development for two biotech companies. She earned a Pharm.D. and a Ph.D. in clinical pharmacology from the VCU School of Pharmacy. Previous to this, she received a B.S. in pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and an M.D. from Albany Medical College. An active alum, she volunteers on advisory boards for both the VCU School of Pharmacy and the VCU School of Medicine.  

Arturo P. Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., is the dean of VCU School of Medicine and executive vice president for medical affairs at the VCU Health System. He came to VCU in 2023 from the University of Virginia, where he was chair of the Department of Dermatology and president and interim CEO of University of Virginia Physicians Group. Prior to those roles, Dr. Saavedra served as chief of population health and health policy at the UVA Health System and as chief of ambulatory strategy and operations for the medical center. Dr. Saavedra has extensive experience in academic medicine and administrative leadership. He earned his M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He also holds an M.B.A. from the Babson College Graduate School of Business. As a clinician and researcher, Dr. Saavedra specializes in the care of complex medical dermatology.  

Hina B. Shah is a public health strategist with nearly 20 years of experience leading transformative public health initiatives and policy advancements. She specializes in health equity, research methods, data analytics, and program evaluation, focusing on addressing critical information gaps and fostering cross-sector partnerships. Hina holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Virginia and a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan. Fluent in Hindi and Gujarati, she is passionate about fostering inclusive, evidence-informed solutions that strengthen communities. 

Board Honors Three as Lifetime Honorary Trustees 

The board designates former members as lifetime honorary trustees in recognition of their outstanding service and significant contributions.  

At its annual meeting, the MCV Foundation Board of Trustees voted to recognize three former members as lifetime honorary trustees: John O. Beckner, R.Ph.; George W. Burke III, M.D.; and Richard M. Clary, M.D.  

“Each of these individuals is very deserving of this designation,” said Margaret Ann Bollmeier, president and CEO of the MCV Foundation. “Through their passion and dedication, John, George and Richard have made a tremendous impact and demonstrated a lifetime of commitment to the foundation’s mission.”  

John O. Beckner, R.Ph. 

Beginning in 2012, John Beckner served three terms as an MCV Foundation trustee. He is the senior director of strategic initiatives at the National Community Pharmacists Association where he helps independent community pharmacies develop diversified revenue streams and maximize patient care activities. He is a member and served as past president of the Virginia Pharmacists Association. He also is a member and past vice president of the Virginia Association of Chain Drug Stores. A staunch supporter of innovative community pharmacy practice, he earned his B.S. degree in pharmacy at VCU and serves on the school’s National Advisory Council to provide guidance and expertise on trends, opportunities and challenges in pharmacy and pharmacy education, research and careers. In 2025, he began chairing the MCV Foundation Leadership Council, a group made up of former foundation trustees. 

George W. Burke III, M.D. 

Dr. Burke served on the MCV Foundation board from 2015 to 2024. He earned his medical degree on the MCV Campus, graduating in 1970 and completing  postgraduate training at MCV Hospital before a research fellowship at Boston University. Dr. Burke taught on the faculty of the School of Medicine before entering private practice with Pulmonary Associates of Richmond where he retired in 2014. Maintaining close ties to VCU, Dr. Burke has been an assistant clinical professor, alumni chair of the VCU School of Medicine Annual Fund and a leader of the former MCV Alumni Association. He also volunteers for the VCU School of Medicine Office of Admissions. In 2025, he received the foundation’s Eugene P. Trani Award in honor of his many volunteer contributions. 

Richard M. Clary, M.D. 

Dr. Clary joined the MCV Foundation board in 1999 and served for 25 years as a member of the board. He retired in 2012 after devoting three decades to medical practice in Richmond, both with Surgical Specialists of Richmond and then Richmond Surgical. Early in his career, he served 10 years of active duty in the U.S. Army and then 20 years in the reserves. During his civilian career, he was chief of surgery both at Stuart Circle Hospital and at Retreat Hospital. From 1983 to 2000 he was an assistant clinical professor of surgery at the VCU School of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree in 1974. Since retiring, he has volunteered as a member of the School of Medicine’s admissions committee.