Staff Directory

Senior Director, Clinical Registry Services and System Solutions

Christina Koutras, BSN, RN, CPHQ, AACC

Christina Koutras, BSN, RN, CPHQ, AACC

Christina joined the ACC in 2010 and is currently the Senior Director for Clinical Registry Services and System Solutions. During her tenure at the ACC, she has served in a variety of Product Manager and leadership roles supporting registry growth, development, and innovation. Christina brings to the NCDR her past nursing experience in the areas of surgical intensive care, cardiovascular open-heart recovery, cardiac catheterization, and the electrophysiology lab to help drive innovation supporting clinical teams in delivering optimal patient care.

Customer Support Team

The ACC Customer Support Team (CST) supports participants to ensure they maximize the value of their Clinical Registries & Accreditations and data resources. With their deep knowledge and responsive approach, the team helps participants optimize platform use and navigate the following:

Troubleshooting and technical support
Data submission assistance
Training and resources

Customer Support Team Members

	Miriam Nunez Team Lead, Clinical Registries and Accreditation Customer Support With over 20 years in customer support, Miriam has grown from an ACC Customer Support Associate in 2009 to being the Team Lead of the NCDR Clinical Registries and Accreditation Customer Support Team since August 2024. Known for her dedication, she brings expertise in managing complex interactions, driving process improvements and fostering team collaboration. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, beach days and quality time with family.
	Kierra Jones Associate, Clinical Registries and Accreditation Customer Support Kierra joined ACC in October 2024, where she not only supports NCDR and ACC Accreditation Services participants but also participates in process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and the user experience. Kierra's previous experience supporting Cybersecurity professionals and disaster relief efforts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has equipped her with a high-level expertise needed to support our participants.
	Lisa Moll Associate, Clinical Registries and Accreditation Customer Support Lisa joined the ACC in May 2011 and has supported NCDR through roles in both Customer Support and Account Management, gaining valuable experience while assisting customers with a wide range of inquiries. With her background as a Membership and Conference Registration Coordinator at the Wildlife Society in Bethesda, MD, and her continued dedication to customer service, Lisa brings a well-rounded ability to assist participants effectively.
	Andrew Reighard Associate, Clinical Registries and Accreditation Customer Support Andrew joined ACC in 2016 and joined the CST in 2019. With a strong focus on customer service, Andrew is dedicated to delivering efficient, empathetic support and their solid technical skills complement their client-centered approach.

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Clinical Quality Advisors

The NCDR Clinical Quality Advisors (CQA) are dedicated experts who provide invaluable guidance to health care providers, empowering institutions to achieve excellence in cardiovascular care and stay aligned with the latest clinical standards. They support hospitals and other facilities in:

Interpreting performance metrics
Implementing best practices
Driving continuous improvement in patient outcomes

NCDR Clinical Quality Advisors Team Members

	David Bonner, RT (R), CV, ARRT Director, Customer and NCDR Clinical Support David is the Director of Customer and NCDR Clinical Support at the ACC, leading a team that delivers clinical and product support for NCDR and ACC Accreditation Services. With over 30 years of experience in cardiology and data registry management, he has played a key role in shaping the NCDR product line since joining ACC in 2007. David brings deep clinical and operational expertise to support continuous improvement and education efforts.
	Shelly Conine, ASN, RN Clinical Quality Advisor Team Lead, NCDR Clinical Support \| Chest Pain MI Registry Shelly, a registered nurse (RN) with 24 years of cardiovascular experience, joined ACC in 2016 and n ow serves as Team Lead for NCDR Clinical Operations. Shelly is committed to advancing cardiovascular care and improving outcomes through clinical leadership and quality improvement.
	Karen Colbert, BSN, RN Clinical Quality Advisor \| STS/ACC TVT Registry and LAAO Registry Karen has been providing clinical-based customer support to NCDR participating sites since 2015. A former military nurse and experienced critical care clinician, she worked in the Nursing Education Department – RN Residency Program for new graduate nurses who are making their transition from a school environment to unit and floor nursing.
	Fernando Garcia-Barbon, BSN, RN Clinical Quality Advisor \| LAAO Registry and AFib Ablation Registry Fernando joined the ACC NCDR as a CQA in 2015. With a strong background in cardiovascular nursing and a commitment to advancing heart care, Fernando continues to play a key role in supporting hospitals and health care providers through his work with NCDR.
	Yan Huang, RT(R), CV, ARRT Clinical Quality Advisor \| Chest Pain MI Registry and EP Device Implant Registry Yan, a registered Radiologic Technologist since 1994, joined ACC in 2021 and brings over 15 years of experience in the Cardiac Cath Lab and leadership roles. During her tenure in hospital settings, Yan played a key role in quality improvement efforts, leading her facility to achieve the prestigious Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award multiple times. She has also contributed to state regulatory committees and has successfully guided facilities in earning multiple state designations throughout her career.
	John Jirout, BBA, RN Integration & Clinical Quality Advisor Associate, NCDR Clinical Support \| CathPCI Registry, AFib Ablation Registry and EP Device Implant Registry John's clinical journey began in a cardiothoracic surgical step-down unit, where he earned the role of Nurse Manager. He continued to deepen his expertise in cardiovascular care by transitioning to the Cardiac Cath Lab, where he refined his clinical and technical skills for six years. This invaluable experience laid a strong foundation for his work in quality improvement after he joined ACC in 2017, where he also collaborates on the development and refinement of new registry products.
	Elizabeth Labat, BSN, RN, ACLS Clinical Quality Advisor, NCDR \| CathPCI Registry Elizabeth joined us in January 2024, bringing over 35 years of experience in cardiac nursing to her role at ACC. A BSN graduate from Louisiana State University, her expertise spans the Cardiac Cath Lab, PCI procedures, cardiovascular surgery and heart-lung transplantation. She also served as a civilian RN supporting the armed forces in Panama, providing critical care in an international setting.
	Melissa Nitta, MPH, BS, RN Clinical Quality Advisor, NCDR \| IMPACT Registry and CathPCI Registry Melissa joined the ACC in 2014 as a CQA, bringing with her a strong background as a former Trauma Program Manager. She has extensive experience in quality peer reviews, data abstraction and performance improvement initiatives. With a Master of Public Health (MPH) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Care Administration, she combines clinical knowledge with a public health lens to advance cardiovascular care.
	Kristen Young, MSN, RN Integration & Clinical Quality Advisor Associate, NCDR Clinical Support \| STS/ACC TVT Registry, CathPCI Registry and CV ASC Registry Suite Kristen joined the ACC as a CQA in 2017, bringing over 14 years of acute care experience in areas such as Trauma ED, Cath Lab and Electrophysiology. Starting her career as a cardiology nurse in an intermediate care cardiac step-down unit, she later transitioned into quality-focused roles, including Quality and Improvement Specialist and NCDR Registry Outcomes Specialist (Chest Pain – MI Registry and EP Device Implant Registry). Her passion for improving cardiovascular patient outcomes continues to drive her work.

NCDR Product Managers

The NCDR Product Managers play a crucial role in supporting participants, helping them optimize their use of NCDR. They offer:

Exert guidance on data integration
Support for quality improvement initiatives
Streamlining reporting processes

NCDR Product Manager Team Members

	Cornelia Anderson, MSN, RN, CPHQ, FACC Director, NCDR Registry Products \| CathPCI Registry Connie came to the ACC in 2012 and has been the principal liaison to the CathPCI Registry Steering Committee since 2014, also spending time leading the IMPACT & Chest Pain – MI Registries before becoming the Director of NCDR Registry Products in 2023. In the years prior to the ACC her career in acute care spanned emergency medicine, cardiovascular units, and the Cath Lab where she enjoyed being a member of a comprehensive and cohesive care team managing dynamic patient and clinical situations. She is passionate about facilitating the delivery of quality patient care, enjoys collaborating with participants of the NCDR and is delighted when initiatives improve the experience of patients and clinicians alike.
	Jennifer (Jenn) Araoz, BS Program Manager \| ACPC Quality Network and ACC Public Reporting Jenn has been serving as the Program Manager of the Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology (ACPC) Quality Network and ACC's Public Reporting for the CathPCI Registry, Chest Pain – MI Registry, and EP Device Implant Registry since 2021. Prior to joining the ACC, Jenn's career was focused on academia in emergency medicine where she developed a passion for facilitating conversations between forward facing clinicians and those working on academic advancements that supported quality initiatives to better patient care and improve their outcomes.
	Sarah Lash, MS Director \| EP Device Implant Registry, AFib Ablation Registry, and CV ASC Registry Suite Sarah is the Product Director for the NCDR EP Suite of Registries. She also oversees the CV ASC Registry Suite- the first of its kind registry designed to meet the needs of ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) or office-based labs (OBL). Her career is deeply rooted in quality improvement and promoting population health. Her multidisciplinary perspective comes from experience in Medicaid managed care, the National Quality Forum, health policy and consulting.
	Joan Michaels: MSN, RN, FACC Director \| STS/ACC TVT Registry and IMPACT Registry Joan joined us in 2008 to develop and launch the IMPACT Registry, which focuses on improving pediatric and adult congenital treatments, later assuming the role of Product Director of the STS/ACC TVT Registry where she has worked extensively with both internal and external stakeholders to meet the National Coverage Decision requirements. She has an expansive and rich history in cardiovascular care and management of the Cath Lab Program at Inova Heart Center in Falls Church, VA also previously as the Director of the NIH Cath Lab at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, MD.
	Julie H. Mobayed: MPH, BSN, RN, CPHQ, FACC Director \| LAAO Registry and Chest Pain MI Registry Julie became part of the team in 2014 and was instrumental in leading national quality campaigns such as the ACC's Patient Navigator Program and the Reduce the Risk- PCI Bleed initiative, and has been the Product Director for select registries since 2021. Prior to the ACC, Julie's nursing career focused on cardiovascular medicine from the start, in critical care and step-down units, then moving on to managing clinical trials. There she coordinated research studies, designed project strategies, wrote protocols and eventually built a centralized clinical trial center.

	David Bonner, RT (R), CV, ARRT Director, Customer and NCDR Clinical Support David is the Director of Customer and NCDR Clinical Support at the ACC, leading a team that delivers clinical and product support for NCDR and ACC Accreditation Services. With over 30 years of experience in cardiology and data registry management, he has played a key role in shaping the NCDR product line since joining ACC in 2007. David brings deep clinical and operational expertise to support continuous improvement and education efforts.
	Shelly Conine, ASN, RN Clinical Quality Advisor Team Lead, NCDR Clinical Support \| Chest Pain MI Registry Shelly, a registered nurse (RN) with 24 years of cardiovascular experience, joined ACC in 2016 and n ow serves as Team Lead for NCDR Clinical Operations. Shelly is committed to advancing cardiovascular care and improving outcomes through clinical leadership and quality improvement.
	Karen Colbert, BSN, RN Clinical Quality Advisor \| STS/ACC TVT Registry and LAAO Registry Karen has been providing clinical-based customer support to NCDR participating sites since 2015. A former military nurse and experienced critical care clinician, she worked in the Nursing Education Department – RN Residency Program for new graduate nurses who are making their transition from a school environment to unit and floor nursing.
	Fernando Garcia-Barbon, BSN, RN Clinical Quality Advisor \| LAAO Registry and AFib Ablation Registry Fernando joined the ACC NCDR as a CQA in 2015. With a strong background in cardiovascular nursing and a commitment to advancing heart care, Fernando continues to play a key role in supporting hospitals and health care providers through his work with NCDR.
	Yan Huang, RT(R), CV, ARRT Clinical Quality Advisor \| Chest Pain MI Registry and EP Device Implant Registry Yan, a registered Radiologic Technologist since 1994, joined ACC in 2021 and brings over 15 years of experience in the Cardiac Cath Lab and leadership roles. During her tenure in hospital settings, Yan played a key role in quality improvement efforts, leading her facility to achieve the prestigious Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award multiple times. She has also contributed to state regulatory committees and has successfully guided facilities in earning multiple state designations throughout her career.
	John Jirout, BBA, RN Integration & Clinical Quality Advisor Associate, NCDR Clinical Support \| CathPCI Registry, AFib Ablation Registry and EP Device Implant Registry John's clinical journey began in a cardiothoracic surgical step-down unit, where he earned the role of Nurse Manager. He continued to deepen his expertise in cardiovascular care by transitioning to the Cardiac Cath Lab, where he refined his clinical and technical skills for six years. This invaluable experience laid a strong foundation for his work in quality improvement after he joined ACC in 2017, where he also collaborates on the development and refinement of new registry products.
	Elizabeth Labat, BSN, RN, ACLS Clinical Quality Advisor, NCDR \| CathPCI Registry Elizabeth joined us in January 2024, bringing over 35 years of experience in cardiac nursing to her role at ACC. A BSN graduate from Louisiana State University, her expertise spans the Cardiac Cath Lab, PCI procedures, cardiovascular surgery and heart-lung transplantation. She also served as a civilian RN supporting the armed forces in Panama, providing critical care in an international setting.
	Melissa Nitta, MPH, BS, RN Clinical Quality Advisor, NCDR \| IMPACT Registry and CathPCI Registry Melissa joined the ACC in 2014 as a CQA, bringing with her a strong background as a former Trauma Program Manager. She has extensive experience in quality peer reviews, data abstraction and performance improvement initiatives. With a Master of Public Health (MPH) and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Care Administration, she combines clinical knowledge with a public health lens to advance cardiovascular care.
	Kristen Young, MSN, RN Integration & Clinical Quality Advisor Associate, NCDR Clinical Support \| STS/ACC TVT Registry, CathPCI Registry and CV ASC Registry Suite Kristen joined the ACC as a CQA in 2017, bringing over 14 years of acute care experience in areas such as Trauma ED, Cath Lab and Electrophysiology. Starting her career as a cardiology nurse in an intermediate care cardiac step-down unit, she later transitioned into quality-focused roles, including Quality and Improvement Specialist and NCDR Registry Outcomes Specialist (Chest Pain – MI Registry and EP Device Implant Registry). Her passion for improving cardiovascular patient outcomes continues to drive her work.

	Cornelia Anderson, MSN, RN, CPHQ, FACC Director, NCDR Registry Products \| CathPCI Registry Connie came to the ACC in 2012 and has been the principal liaison to the CathPCI Registry Steering Committee since 2014, also spending time leading the IMPACT & Chest Pain – MI Registries before becoming the Director of NCDR Registry Products in 2023. In the years prior to the ACC her career in acute care spanned emergency medicine, cardiovascular units, and the Cath Lab where she enjoyed being a member of a comprehensive and cohesive care team managing dynamic patient and clinical situations. She is passionate about facilitating the delivery of quality patient care, enjoys collaborating with participants of the NCDR and is delighted when initiatives improve the experience of patients and clinicians alike.
	Jennifer (Jenn) Araoz, BS Program Manager \| ACPC Quality Network and ACC Public Reporting Jenn has been serving as the Program Manager of the Adult Congenital and Pediatric Cardiology (ACPC) Quality Network and ACC's Public Reporting for the CathPCI Registry, Chest Pain – MI Registry, and EP Device Implant Registry since 2021. Prior to joining the ACC, Jenn's career was focused on academia in emergency medicine where she developed a passion for facilitating conversations between forward facing clinicians and those working on academic advancements that supported quality initiatives to better patient care and improve their outcomes.
	Sarah Lash, MS Director \| EP Device Implant Registry, AFib Ablation Registry, and CV ASC Registry Suite Sarah is the Product Director for the NCDR EP Suite of Registries. She also oversees the CV ASC Registry Suite- the first of its kind registry designed to meet the needs of ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) or office-based labs (OBL). Her career is deeply rooted in quality improvement and promoting population health. Her multidisciplinary perspective comes from experience in Medicaid managed care, the National Quality Forum, health policy and consulting.
	Joan Michaels: MSN, RN, FACC Director \| STS/ACC TVT Registry and IMPACT Registry Joan joined us in 2008 to develop and launch the IMPACT Registry, which focuses on improving pediatric and adult congenital treatments, later assuming the role of Product Director of the STS/ACC TVT Registry where she has worked extensively with both internal and external stakeholders to meet the National Coverage Decision requirements. She has an expansive and rich history in cardiovascular care and management of the Cath Lab Program at Inova Heart Center in Falls Church, VA also previously as the Director of the NIH Cath Lab at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, MD.
	Julie H. Mobayed: MPH, BSN, RN, CPHQ, FACC Director \| LAAO Registry and Chest Pain MI Registry Julie became part of the team in 2014 and was instrumental in leading national quality campaigns such as the ACC's Patient Navigator Program and the Reduce the Risk- PCI Bleed initiative, and has been the Product Director for select registries since 2021. Prior to the ACC, Julie's nursing career focused on cardiovascular medicine from the start, in critical care and step-down units, then moving on to managing clinical trials. There she coordinated research studies, designed project strategies, wrote protocols and eventually built a centralized clinical trial center.