VREF is governed by a Board of Directors, four of whom are statutory: The Medical Center’s Director, Chief of Staff, Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) for Research and Education. The Board of Directors has appointed an Executive Director to develop and implement policy and manage the operations of VREF.
Ziyad Al-Aly, M.D.
MemberDr. Al-Aly, a Nephrologist, has been a dedicated VA researcher for over ten years. Dr. Al-Aly focuses his research on the relationship between kidney disease and clinical outcomes.
Amy Joseph, M.D.
MemberDr. Joseph, a rheumatologist with over 19 years of active research at the St. Louis VA, studies rheumatoid arthritis and gout. She has served on the Foundation board since 2012.
April Kirkley
MemberApril previously served for several years as an Administrative Officer with the VA.
Keith Repko
ChairmanKeith Repko previously served as the VA Medical Center Director at the St. Louis VA Healthcare System. He is now the chairman of the VREF board.
Candace Ifabiyi
Member
Mary Coleman
MemberMary Coleman previously served as the VREF Executive Director for several years before retiring in 2020.
Dr. Christopher Prevel
Member
Patricia McKelvy
Member
Left to right: Patricia McKelvy, Allison Shafer, Mary Coleman, Jay McDonald (retired), Keith Repko, Christopher Prevel, Candace Ifabiyi