Staff

Ricardo Azziz, Executive Director

Ricardo Azziz

Founder and Executive Director  

​With over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, research, and academic healthcare, Dr. Azziz serves as Executive Director of the Foundation for Research and Education Excellence. He also serves as Principal, Tellurian Global, LLC; and previously served as Chief Officer of Academic Health and Hospital Affairs, State University of New York (SUNY) System Administration; as founding President of Georgia Regents University (now Augusta University); founding CEO of the Georgia Regents Health System (GRHS, now Augusta University Health System), and president, Georgia Health Sciences University. Among other appointments, Dr. Azziz is also a recognized translational scientist, serving on the faculties of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University at Albany, SUNY and is a Fellow of the Rockefeller Institute for Government. He earned his MD from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and his MPH and MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

Dr. Fernando Bril, MD

Fernado Bril, MD

Associate Director

Dr. Fernando Bril completed a research fellowship at the University of Florida and an internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). His main research interest has been to understand the metabolic consequences of obesity and diabetes, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and PCOS, with over 80 scientific publications. As Associate Director for the Foundation he works closely with the Executive Director, providing support and oversight to U.S. and Latin-America based projects. He is also an Assistant Professor and Associate Scientist in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at UAB.

Habsy Herrera, Business Associate

Habsy Herrera, MS

Business Associate

Habsy Herrera is a financial analyst originally from Mexico with experience in finance and business development. She holds dual master’s degrees in International Business and in Finance. With a background across a variety of industries and businesses, and a passion for improving the future of those less fortunate, she brings valuable perspectives to the Foundation.

Jeronimo de la Ossa headshot

Jeronimo de la Ossa, MS

Associate Research Analyst

Jeronimo de la Ossa earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management, and Master’s in both Finance and in Business Analytics, from the Hult International Business School and is a dedicated professional with expertise in financial analysis, business analytics, and strategic planning. He is a strong believer in the transformative power of data-driven decision-making. As an Associate at the Foundation, Jeronimo contributes to advancing its mission by supporting grant writing, project management, and various philanthropic initiatives. His analytical skills and commitment to impactful change provide valuable support to the Foundation’s work in fostering positive outcomes for the communities it serves.