Dr. Michael A.D. Smith leads Phoenix Health Research Institute (PHRI) with a focus on advancing research that bridges academic scholarship and real-world public health impact. With a background spanning health administration, behavioral health, and higher education leadership, Dr. Smith’s work bridges academic research and real-world application.

Dr. Smith holds a Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) and multiple graduate degrees in business, leadership, and organizational management. His research focuses on mental health literacy, stigma reduction, aging policy, and health systems forecasting. As Principal Investigator, he has led IRB-approved studies examining the outcomes of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and is developing a 20-year longitudinal study exploring the long-term health implications of cannabis use among aging populations.

Under his leadership, PHRI collaborates with academic institutions and national organizations to generate evidence that supports equitable public health strategy and sustainable systems change. Dr. Smith’s work emphasizes translational research — ensuring that data moves beyond publication and into practice, policy development, and community impact.

He is committed to building PHRI into a nationally recognized research institute capable of addressing complex health challenges through rigorous methodology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and forward-thinking innovation.

Jason McCracken is an experienced organizational leader with more than four decades of administrative, operational, and financial leadership experience across educational, nonprofit, and publishing institutions. He brings extensive expertise in organizational management, financial oversight, strategic planning, and institutional governance.

Mr. McCracken has held senior leadership roles across several major institutions, including Pine Forge Academy, the Review and Herald Publishing Association, and multiple administrative positions within the Seventh-day Adventist organizational structure. During his tenure as Director of Marketing at Review and Herald Publishing Association, he provided strategic leadership for the periodicals division, overseeing marketing operations, program development, and organizational growth initiatives.

He later served as Director of Enrollment Services at Pine Forge Academy, where he helped guide institutional planning, student recruitment strategy, and operational coordination for one of the denomination’s historic educational institutions.

Mr. McCracken holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and brings a strong background in organizational leadership, financial accountability, and strategic management. As Treasurer of the Phoenix Health Research Institute, he provides financial oversight, governance support, and guidance in matters of fiscal responsibility, compliance, and long-term institutional sustainability

Mr. Ricardo A. Woolcock is an experienced organizational leader and community advocate with more than two decades of leadership experience across nonprofit, educational, and community service environments. His work has focused on organizational development, conflict resolution, community engagement, and leadership mentoring across diverse institutional settings.

Throughout his career, Mr. Woolcock has served in a variety of leadership roles supporting educational institutions, community organizations, and public service initiatives. His experience includes organizational oversight, program development, and leadership training in both domestic and international contexts. He has also worked in healthcare and hospice environments providing interdisciplinary support to patients, families, and care teams navigating complex life circumstances.

Mr. Woolcock has been actively involved in community service and professional chaplaincy networks, including disaster response and crisis support initiatives. His work has emphasized ethical leadership, cultural understanding, and practical support for individuals and communities facing significant social and personal challenges.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Oakwood University and a Master of Arts in Youth and Young Adult Ministry from Andrews University.

As Board Chair of the Phoenix Health Research Institute, Mr. Woolcock provides governance leadership and strategic oversight to support the institute’s mission of advancing research, promoting community well-being, and strengthening collaborative initiatives that address complex public health and social challenges.

Mr. Frederick Whitlow II is a community leader, nonprofit executive, and organizational strategist with more than three decades of experience in community development, youth empowerment, and nonprofit leadership. He currently serves as Founder and Executive Director of No More Dirty, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to transforming underserved communities through innovative urban interventions, mentorship programs, and positive cultural initiatives.

In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Mr. Whitlow has spent more than fourteen years with the Huntsville Housing Authority as a Youth and Family Services Coordinator, where he develops and manages programs designed to promote education, self-sufficiency, and personal development for families living in public housing. Through strategic partnerships with local organizations, he has helped expand access to youth programs, scholarships, mentoring initiatives, and community resources.

Mr. Whitlow is also the founder of several community-focused initiatives and media platforms that promote positive entertainment, mentorship, and faith-based leadership. His work consistently focuses on empowering young people, strengthening families, and creating pathways for individuals to become productive and socially responsible citizens.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Oakwood University and brings extensive nonprofit leadership, operational experience, and community engagement expertise to his role with the Phoenix Health Research Institute, where he helps guide organizational strategy and mission development.