2025 HPG GOVERNMENTAL REPS
ADRIAN Guzman
Policy and External Relations
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Adrian Guzman, Director of Policy and External Affairs for the Health Department’s Bureau of HIV, is proud to work with the PER workgroup to establish policy advocacy as vital to the HPG’s work to end the epidemic.
AMANDA Phi
Government Co-Chair, NYC HIV Planning Group
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Membership and Community Engagement
Amanda Phi, Deputy Director of HIV Prevention Partnerships at the NYC Health Department, is excited to continue to work with community to achieve health equity for all. Also loves dogs.
ALEXANDER Drab
Government Co-Chair, NYC HIV Planning Group
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Membership and Community Engagement
Status Neutral Approach
Digital Advocacy and Health Promotions
Policy and External Relations
Alexander Drab, HIV Planning Group Coordinator, provides key logistical and administrative support. Acting as a liaison with the NYC DOH, they assist workgroups in achieving their goals, support recruitment and planning for the Annual Strategic Planning Meeting, and help maintain member engagement.
BENJAMIN Tsoi
Director, HIV Prevention Programs
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Public health advocate and administrator committed to equity and inclusion. Gay. Husband. Food enthusiast.
Dr. PATRICK Padgen
Governmental Co-Chair of the New York City HIV Planning Group
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Patrick Padgen, Director HIV Prevention Partnerships, works with the NYC Health Department in engaging and mobilizing community in order to help end the epidemic.
MORGAN Kolb
Administration of Children Services
New York City Department of Education
Policy and External Relations
Director of Health Policy and Planning at NYC Administration for Children’s Services, is excited to continue working with community governmental partners to advance HIV and Sexual Health policy and practice change. Loves musical theater, traveling, and playing with her 2 cats.
MICHAEL Navejas
Governmental Co-Chair of the HIV Health and Human Services Planning Council of New York
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Status Neutral Approach
Deputy Director of the Planning Council at the NYC Health Department. First generation Mexican American with an interest in social justice, politics, and religion.
LELA Sabashvili
NYC Health and Hospital
An immigrant from Eastern Europe passionate about optimizing healthcare delivery to marginalized communities in the Big Apple.
KAREN Bovell
HPG Governmental Member
NYS AIDS Institute
Status Neutral Approach
My name is Karen Bovell, an American West Indian who migrated from Trinidad at age 3. Music brings me joy and peace, while women’s health, mental health, and storytelling fuel my passion. With expertise in community services, education, and advocacy, I empower change.