GDPA Election Portal

Please take a moment to review Position Statements for the 2026-2028 GDPA Board of Directors.  Fellow members can vote once from May 15, 2026 up until Midnight (EST) on May 30, 2026.  In order to be eligible to vote, you must be a current Fellow Member of the GDPA. Information on voting is contained in the GDPA Bylaws.

2026 Candidate Platform Statements:

President-Elect Candidates

TAKEIA HORTON, Pa-C, MPH

I have been a physician assistant for over 11 years and have ultimately found my true passion in dermatology. I began my career after graduating from Emory University’s Physician Assistant program and went on to serve as a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholar in primary care, working with underserved communities in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). During this time, I witnessed firsthand how health disparities and limited resources profoundly affect patient care. Our community had little to no access to dermatology services, which motivated me to expand my dermatologic knowledge and skills. Through this experience, I discovered a deep love for all aspects of dermatology. 

While still practicing in primary care, I attended multiple dermatology conferences, with my favorite being GDPA Pearls. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how welcoming, enthusiastic, and supportive everyone was—it truly felt like being welcomed into a special community. As my passion for dermatology continued to grow, I completed the SDPA Diplomate Fellowship to further strengthen my clinical expertise. Three years ago, I was honored with the opportunity to join Emory Dermatology, where I continue to grow professionally while practicing in the specialty I love. My time at Emory has also fostered the growth of my leadership skills, providing me with experience in developing leadership series, educating preceptors, and creating mentorship programs that support and enhance the professional development of our APPs. 

Since transitioning into dermatology, I have remained deeply committed to addressing health disparities and serving underserved populations within dermatologic care. I have had the privilege of working alongside incredible colleagues and felt compelled to give back to the GDPA community. I was honored and excited to accept the role of GDPA Social Media and Membership Chair. In this role, I have worked diligently to enhance our social media presence, particularly on Instagram, and to better understand the needs of our members so we can develop meaningful and relevant programming. 
As President-Elect, I am fully dedicated to advancing the dermatology profession, supporting our GDPA members, and continuing to serve our communities across Georgia. My goals include: 

• Creating increased opportunities for member engagement, leadership development, and professional growth Establishing a formal mentorship program within GDPA to support early-career APPs through guidance from experienced colleagues
• Continuing to grow GDPA membership and expanding our social media presence to increase public awareness around skin health
• Collaborating closely with GAPA to provide timely legislative updates and advocate for dermatology-related initiatives
• Fostering partnerships among dermatology professionals to strengthen education, outreach, and support for underserved communities
• Supporting the GDPA Board of Directors and committee leaders in delivering high-quality, impactful programming that promotes professional excellence and leadership development
• Continue to cultivate strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders and professional leaders to deliver high-quality educational programming and meaningful networking opportunities for members

As President-Elect, I am committed to supporting our members and elevating GDPA to even greater heights within the dermatology community. I will leverage my experience, dedication, and passion to expand programming, strengthen mentorship opportunities, and continue to support the career and professional development of our APPs while fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking professional community.  

Secretary Candidates

SHIVANI DHIR, MSPAS, PA-C

Hi there! My name is Shivani Dhir and I am excited to be running for the role of Secretary for the Georgia Dermatology Professional Association. I attended the Bethel University PA Program in TN and have been practicing in dermatology since 2023.

I became familiar with the GDPA in 2022 when I attended my first PEARLS Conference and was amazed at the high-quality educational experiences, networking opportunities, and overall embrace for the high impact our role can provide to patients. Since then, I have made it a priority to engage in the conferences, journal clubs, social events, and monthly dinners the GDPA hosts to continue to broaden my education, network, and impact on my patients. I have recently become involved with the Membership Committee as well to bring ideas and connection to target our newer to dermatology PA/NP providers in Georgia and find ways to network effectively. 

I am drawn to the Secretary position as someone who thrives on organization and ensuring paperwork is all completed in a timely and efficient manner. In my current role as a PA, I currently manage all of my biologic paperwork start to finish, which while a feat at some times, has been an asset in ensuring I stay on top of providing quality care for my patients and ensuring the process is seen through. The necessary attention to detail has truly made me a better provider and allowed me to stay alert at what paperwork needs to be completed in a timely fashion. If selected as Secretary, I will prioritize accurate and timely documentation of meetings, clear communication with members, and well-organized record-keeping to support the organization’s ongoing work. I understand the importance of maintaining continuity and transparency within the organization, and I am committed to ensuring that information is accessible and efficiently managed.

I truly find that the connections made through the GDPA have been some of the strongest professional connections that have made an impact on my career thus far. This organization has allowed me to feel like a truly valued member of the dermatology PA/NP community and I hope that by serving on the Board I would be able to amplify that feeling for others. I would be honored to serve and contribute to the continued growth and effectiveness of our organization and profession.

Thank you for your consideration.

CARRIE HOWELL, MMSc, PA-C

I am honored to be nominated and submit my candidacy for Secretary of the Georgia Dermatology Professional Association (GDPA). With 26 years of experience as a PA in dermatology, I bring a deep commitment to our specialty and a strong appreciation for the vital role physician assistants & nurse practitioners play in delivering exceptional patient care.  As a founding GDPA member, I have watched this organization grow to become such a phenomenal educational resource & supportive platform to PAs & NPs (all while maintaining incredibly affordable membership dues & CME programs).  

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated not only to clinical excellence but also to fostering education, and professional growth within our field. For over 20 years, I have had the privilege of serving as a lecturer and mentor to Emory PA students, an experience that has been meaningful to me and reflects my passion for dermatology & supporting the next generation of PAs.

I believe strongly in the mission of GDPA and the importance of maintaining an informed and engaged community of Dermatology APPs.  In addition to my clinical background, I have prior experience serving as Parent Council Secretary for my children’s school, where I developed strong organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills. I understand the importance of accurate documentation and timely communication—key responsibilities I would uphold as Secretary.

My 26 years in the field hasn’t slowed me down. It has only solidified my commitment to our profession & fueled the desire to continue to give back to the community that has given me so much. If elected, I will work to ensure communication, support member engagement, and contribute to the continued growth and success of GDPA. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to serve!

RAKSHNI KOKILAKUMAR, PA-C

I am truly honored to be considered as a candidate for the Georgia Dermatology Professional Association! For the past 2.5 years, I have had the privilege of practicing as a dermatology PA—an experience that has not only strengthened my clinical skills, but also deepened my understanding of the critical role we play in expanding access to high-quality dermatologic care. Every patient interaction reinforces why I chose this profession: to make a meaningful, lasting impact. Being a Physician Assistant is not just what I do—it is who I am. I am deeply passionate about patient care, but just as importantly, I am committed to education and outreach. Dermatology goes beyond diagnosis and treatment; it requires empowering patients with knowledge, prevention strategies, and confidence in managing their health. That is the standard I hold myself to every day.

Our profession is growing rapidly across the country, and dermatology PAs are playing an increasingly vital role in meeting patient demand. But growth alone is not enough. We must be intentional about strengthening our representation, amplifying our voices, and creating opportunities for future PAs to thrive. This is where strong, engaged leadership matters—and it is exactly where I want to contribute.

As Secretary, I will bring more than organization and attention to detail—I will bring purpose and accountability. I will ensure that communication within our organization is clear, consistent, and meaningful. I will prioritize transparency so that every member feels informed, heard, and connected. I want to help build a stronger sense of community by making sure that information flows efficiently and that no voice is overlooked.  But I don’t see the Secretary role as just administrative—I see it as foundational to our success. By maintaining accurate records, tracking our progress, and supporting initiatives behind the scenes, I will help ensure that our ideas turn into action and our goals turn into measurable impact. I am especially passionate about supporting educational initiatives and outreach efforts that elevate both our profession and the care we provide.

I am ready to show up, to contribute, and to help move this organization forward. My experience, my passion, and my commitment to the PA profession make me not just a candidate—but a dedicated advocate for our future. I would be proud to serve, and I would be grateful for your support.

SANDRA MORRIS, PA-C, DFAAPA

I am truly honored to run for Secretary of the GDPA. Serving as Treasurer for two years and now as Director at Large has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and it has deepened my appreciation for the work we do and the people who make it happen.  The GDPA is at an exciting point in its journey, with a new look and a strong vision for the future of APPs in dermatology across Georgia. I am energized by this momentum and would love to continue playing an active role in shaping what comes next.  I take seriously the responsibility of the Secretary role—especially the need for accurate, detailed documentation of our Board of Directors meetings. This work is essential to preserving our organization’s integrity, maintaining our tax-exempt status, and ensuring we can continue offering high-quality education and meaningful connections for our members.  With my experience and understanding of how our board operates, I am ready to contribute from day one. I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the GDPA in this new capacity.

Treasurer Candidates

VANESSA WINOKUR, MMSc, PA-C

I am excited to run again for Treasurer of the Georgia Dermatology Professional Association.
Over the past two years serving in this role, I have worked to maintain accurate financial records,
ensure transparency, and support the organization’s continued growth and stability. My
experience has given me a strong understanding of our financial processes and priorities, and I am committed to building on that foundation. I take pride in being detail-oriented, dependable, and dedicated to serving our members. I would be honored to continue contributing to the success of our association and supporting its mission in the years ahead. 

Director At Large Candidates

SHARON DOERING, MMSc, PA-C

I am honored to submit my candidacy for the position of Director-at-Large for GDPA. Throughout my past 26 years as a Physician Assistant, I have been committed not only to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, but also to advancing the profession through collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy.

My experience spans both clinical practice, teaching, and professional engagement, where I have had the opportunity to work with diverse patient populations and interdisciplinary teams. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of the evolving role of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) and the importance of strong leadership at the state level. I am particularly passionate about promoting professional development, supporting legislative advocacy efforts, and fostering a sense of community among APPs across all practice settings.  As Director-at-Large, I would bring a proactive and inclusive approach to leadership. I am committed to ensuring that the voices of our members are heard and represented, whether they are early-career APPs, seasoned clinicians, or students preparing to enter the profession. I believe in transparent communication, strategic planning, and building partnerships that strengthen our chapter’s impact.

In addition, I am eager to contribute to initiatives that address key challenges facing our profession, including scope of practice, access to care, and provider well-being. By working collaboratively with fellow board members and engaging our PA and NP members, I am confident we can continue to advance our shared mission.

Thank you for considering my application. It would be a privilege to serve and advocate for our community as Director-at-Large.

BUCHI NEITA, PA-C

I am honored to be nominated for the Director at Large position and would be excited to serve the Georgia Dermatology Professional Association in this role.  GDPA has played an important part in my professional journey. I have been an active attendee of the Pearls Conference for many years, as well as GDPA meetings over time, and I have always appreciated the sense of community, collaboration, and commitment to excellence that defines this organization.