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Ryan White Planning Council Memberships

Learn the steps for getting involved with the Boston EMA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council!

The Boston Eligible Metropolitan Area (EMA) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council is an independent, volunteer-based, federally-mandated planning body appointed by the Mayor of Boston.

The Planning Council integrally works with Boston Public Health Commission to select and prioritize HIV service categories and allocate Ryan White Part A HIV funding in our region. 

Apply to the Planning Council

Applications are now open! Please fill out the new membership application below. Nominations happen in June - July, and the session begins in September. Applications close June 12, 2026.

applY

How to Apply
  1. Complete the application linked and submit a letter of recommendation to Planning Council Support (PCS) Staff at pcs@bphc.org.
  2. PCS staff will review the applications. New members should demonstrate:
    • Ability to help the Planning Council reflect the demographics of the local community of people living with HIV
    • Ability to fulfill membership requirements
    • Ability to come to meetings with an open mind, learn and contribute to the Planning Council
  3. PCS staff will contact applicants and schedule interviews.
  4. The Nominations Committee reviews the applications and interview summaries. They will nominate and make recommendations on the list of candidates. This list will be sent to the Mayor of Boston, who is the CEO of the Ryan White Part A grant.
  5. The Mayor of Boston makes the final decision and appointment of all members of the Planning Council. 
  6. Applicants receive notification by email or by phone on their selection. For individuals who were not selected, PCS staff will provide options for other ways to get involved with the Planning Council. 
  7. All selected members will attend a mandatory orientation and training in September. 

Planning Council Membership

Planning Council Membership

Each year, the Planning Council sets priorities for health and health-related HIV services in our region. They decide how to distribute federal HIV funds to each service category. The Planning Council reviews reports, conducts a needs assessment, and establishes priorities based on reviewing the service needs of people living with HIV in our region.

Planning Council volunteers include health care providers, public health officials, and community volunteers. The Mayor of Boston selects members to reflect the racial, ethnic, and gender demographics of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our region.

Much of the Planning Council's work occurs in its committees. All Planning Council members must serve on at least one committee. Committees usually meet on a monthly basis. Learn more about the Planning Council's five standing committees by clicking here. Committee charges and work plans are overseen by the Executive Committee. 

Members living with HIV are consumer members. They bring their unique experiences to the Planning Council dialogue. Consumer members get reimbursement for transportation and child care.

Both Planning Council and committee meetings last two hours each. Planning Council members must attend each of the monthly Planning Council meetings and all their assigned committee meetings. Total time commitment may be four-six hours monthly. Each meeting has refreshments and snacks.

Anyone living in the ten county region in the Part A Boston EMA who has a strong commitment to improving the lives of people living with HIV can join the Planning Council. You don't need a health policy background or expertise to join the Planning Council.

2024-2025 Planning Council Members 

All members are selected by the Mayor of Boston to voluntarily serve on the Planning Council.

Justin Alves | Daniel Amato | Stephen Batchelder | Henry Cabrera - Chair Elect | Barry Callis | Joey Carlesimo | Alyssa Collaro | Damon Gaines | Regina Grier | Amanda Hart | Melissa Hector | Gerald James | Alison Kirchgasser | Liz Koelnych  | Margaret Lombe – Chair | Chrisopher McNally | Yvette Perron | Serena Rajabiun | Luis Rosa | Darren Sack | Romini Smith | Bryan Thomas | Catherine Weerts | Kim Wilson | Curtis Santos | Shambi Mwandembo | Zeke Russell | Hemi Park | Karen White | Rick Boyd | Steven Spinale | Milaun Casimir

Related Resources

Related Resources
Boston EMA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Services Planning Council
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