Board of Directors
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Michael P. Duggan is the Founder, President, and Director of the Medic Now Foundation. Throughout a career spanning more than three decades, Michael has held leadership positions in both the private and public sectors, providing him with a unique perspective on organizational leadership, operational execution, regulatory environments, and mission-driven service.
Michael retired from federal service on January 31, 2026, after 25 years with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration. During his career, he served in several leadership and operational roles, including Federal Security Manager, Supervisory Transportation Security Officer, and Expert Behavioral Detection Officer within the Behavioral Detection and Analysis Division. His work focused on helping to identify, deter, and mitigate threats against the nation's transportation infrastructure while supporting frontline security operations and personnel. Shortly after the attacks of September 11, 2001, Michael witnessed the deployment of Operation Noble Eagle, which mobilized thousands of National Guard and Reserve personnel to protect military installations, airports, bridges, power plants, port facilities, and other critical infrastructure across the United States. Seeing the commitment and sacrifice of those who answered the call to serve inspired him to find meaningful ways to support the military community. Over the years, Michael's passion for supporting veterans, service members, and military families continued to grow through both his federal service and his work within the community. Through those experiences, he developed a deep conviction that financial barriers should never prevent individuals from receiving or completing the healthcare they need. That belief ultimately led to the founding of the Medic Now Foundation, whose mission is to break barriers in military healthcare. Under Michael's leadership, the organization established the Healthcare Cost Assistance Program (HCAP), providing targeted financial assistance to help veterans, service members, and military families overcome out-of-pocket healthcare barriers. Today, Michael is helping guide the Foundation's work beyond direct assistance and toward a broader focus on healthcare continuity and care completion. Building on years of frontline experience and real-world program data, the Medic Now Foundation is working to better understand the factors that contribute to healthcare disruption while developing practical solutions that help military-connected individuals remain on track with recommended care. Through this work, Michael continues to advocate for approaches that strengthen healthcare access, continuity, and outcomes for those who have served and their families. Michael has been married to his high school sweetheart, Christine, for 36 years. Together, they have raised two children and continue to reside in Massachusetts. "Access to healthcare is important, but completing care is what changes lives." — Michael P. Duggan |
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Todd entered military service upon graduation from the United States Air Force Academy (USAF) in 1986 and completed a successful 26-year career as an active-duty Air Force officer accumulating more than 3,300 hours of flight time, primarily in the F-16 and F-15C aircraft during his service, which also included fighter squadron commander, strategic planner at US Forces-Iraq, and fighter wing commander in the Pacific, Middle East, and United States, before retiring as full colonel in the USAF. He is a highly sought-after national security expert, currently working as Senior Vice President for American Defense International, Inc. providing a comprehensive array of services, including government relations, program development and execution, business development, and strategic consulting. He has coordinated legislative priorities with the goal of improving the quality of life for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Todd has also advised on national security policies for the Senate and House of Representatives relating to veteran affairs, defense, homeland security, and foreign relations. In his free time, he enjoys reading, woodworking, and doing “just about anything” outdoors. He and his wife Stacie live in Northern Virginia and are parents of three adult daughters. Todd is excited to join the Medic Now Foundation board as Military Liaison, where he can continue to serve our nation’s veterans. |
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Dr. Stephen J. Drewniak graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1977 and was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, where he began his residency at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. He went on to complete Aviation Medical Officer and Flight Surgery training in Pensacola, serving as a Flight Surgeon supporting U.S. Navy Patrol Squadrons and Marine Corps Medical Evacuation Units. After completing additional specialty training in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Dr. Drewniak transitioned to civilian practice. He served as Chief of Gastroenterology at Faulkner and Lemuel Shattuck Hospitals in Boston, institutions affiliated with leading universities. His work encompassed providing excellent patient care, teaching medical students, residents, and gastroenterology fellows, and participating in clinical research. His primary research interests included liver disease and Hepatitis C, areas where he made meaningful contributions. Now retired from active medical practice, Dr. Drewniak resides in Hanson, MA, with his wife, Beth. Together, they have three children and five grandchildren who keep them busy and filled with joy at swim meets, hockey games, and lacrosse matches. Dr. Drewniak is honored to be part of the Medic Now Foundation and its mission to support military members, their families, and veterans. He is deeply committed to addressing the gaps in healthcare coverage that these groups all too often face. |
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Nick Morganelli has a recognizable face appearing on every network and in every New England state during his professional career, and has over 35 years’ experience as a seasoned broadcast meteorologist. Nick’s polished journalism skills include weather producer, video editor, emcee, and public speaker. He was also a contributor to his station receiving a New England Emmy Award as a team member writer and editor for “The New England Hurricane”. He was also named Best TV Personality by The MA Broadcasters Association. Educated with a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from Lyndon State College, VT, Nick also loves to teach! He was a college adjunct meteorology professor and has also visited over three hundred K-12 classrooms as well as presenting at numerous conferences. He currently reports for Catholic Communications Corporation in Springfield, MA, owns a successful nutrition business, and is working occasionally at the ABC affiliate in Rhode Island as a free-lance weather anchor. Married in 1998 to his bride Jeanne, a registered nurse, they have raised four homeschooled children. Active in his current home city of Westfield, MA, Nick has served several years as a City Councilor. His free time is spent volunteering through church or community activities. He also sings bass-baritone in a summer band and for his church. His father was a USAF Korean War veteran and Nick says he is honored and blessed at the opportunity to serve our military families and veterans by networking with the media as a founding board member. “I love that I can give back in this way” he said. |
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Debra graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) that was founded in 1891 and ranked as one of the best maritime academies in the country by U.S. News and World Report in 2018.
Debra embraced the academies slogan of "Discipline, Knowledge and Leadership" graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Facilities Engineering (FENG) learning engineering, management, and operations of large power plants. Debra has grown up in a military family with her older brother and sister-in-law both serving in the armed forces. She has witnessed first-hand the sacrifices that couples in the military make on behalf of their country every day. Debra cannot imagine any military service member struggling to pay for the out-of-pocket cost for health care and considers it an honors to service as Secretary on the board for the Medic Now Foundation. |
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The Medic Now Foundation Inc. is proud to welcome Christopher Plonka, Lt Col, USAF (Ret) as our new Treasurer. A decorated military veteran and accomplished financial expert, Chris brings a wealth of experience in financial management, cybersecurity, and leadership, making him an invaluable asset to our mission of breaking barriers in military healthcare. With over 25 years of service as a Weather Officer in the U.S. Air Force and Massachusetts Air National Guard, Chris has demonstrated unwavering dedication to serving our nation. His deployments to Bosnia in 1996 (Operation Joint Endeavor) and Iraq in 2003 (Operation Iraqi Freedom) highlight his commitment to duty and excellence in high-pressure environments. Beyond his military service, Chris has built a distinguished career in cybersecurity risk management at General Dynamics, holding key roles in IT risk and compliance, systems engineering, and project management. His expertise in financial oversight, budget management, and audit compliance is complemented by his extensive volunteer experience, including serving as Treasurer for the Lakeville Massachusetts Lions Club and Massachusetts Lions District 33-S. He also was elected to the Town of Lakeville Financial Committee (where he served two years as Chair). Chris is excited to join the Medic Now Foundation team, bringing his leadership, financial acumen, and deep passion for supporting our military community. His commitment to service, both in and out of uniform, aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are thrilled to have him as part of our leadership. Please join us in welcoming Chris Plonka to the Medic Now Foundation Inc. family! |