Our People
Strong Leadership for a Culture of Care
David Alexander
Chief Executive Officer
David Alexander is an accomplished healthcare executive and the chief executive officer of First Alliance Healthcare of Ohio, a multi-city healthcare organization delivering comprehensive services including primary care, mental and behavioral health, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities (DODD). With decades of leadership experience, Mr. Alexander is widely recognized for his expertise in healthcare operations, strategic consulting, and navigating complex accreditation processes to position organizations for sustained success.
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A dedicated philanthropist and civic leader, Mr. Alexander serves as co-founder and board member of the Alexander-Carter Family Foundation and Two Fish Five Loaves, a 501(c)(3) public charity and food pantry proudly partnered with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
A proud double Eagle, Mr. Alexander earned both his Bachelor of Arts in political science and Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University. He also holds a Master of Public Administration from Western Carolina University.
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In his personal time, Mr. Alexander enjoys playing golf and prioritizing quality time with his wife and children.
Joenisha Sanders
Vice President of Operations
Joenisha Sanders proudly serves as the Vice President of Operations at First Alliance Healthcare of Ohio, where she is dedicated to leading with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. In her role, Joenisha oversees the day-to-day operations across multiple service lines, focusing on strategic planning, quality improvement, and ensuring
regulatory compliance. With over five years of experience in healthcare administration, she has a passion for building strong teams, streamlining processes, and creating solutions that enhance both staff and patient experiences. Known for her collaborative leadership style
and hands-on approach, Joenisha takes pride in driving positive outcomes, fostering innovation, and contributing to the mission of providing exceptional care to the communities First Alliance Healthcare serves.
Denise M. Sadler, LISW-S
Vice President of Government Affairs
Denise M. Sadler, LISW-S, serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs at First Alliance Healthcare of Ohio, where she leads strategic advocacy and policy efforts that shape and influence mental health service delivery throughout the region. A seasoned healthcare leader with extensive experience in clinical social work, regulatory compliance, and governmental policy, Denise bridges the gap between clinical practice and public policy to ensure that organizational operations align with state and federal healthcare regulations. In her executive role, Denise directs legislative and policy analysis, fosters productive relationships with government agencies and advocacy groups, and represents the agency’s mission in key public forums. She collaborates closely with the Clinical Director and interdisciplinary teams to ensure that Diagnostic Evaluations (DEs) and Individual Treatment Plans (ITPs) reflect regulatory standards and best practices in behavioral healthcare.
Denise also plays a critical role in expanding the agency's network through stakeholder engagement and the development of referral partnerships. She provides leadership in crafting innovative government relations strategies and mentors team members to elevate the agency’s
influence within the mental health landscape.
Holding a Master’s degree in Social Work and licensure as an Independent Social Worker with Supervision (LISW-S), Denise brings both clinical expertise and policy insight to her work. Her leadership is grounded in a commitment to equitable care, regulatory excellence, and advocacy that enhances access and outcomes for underserved populations.
Keisha S. Rivers, MSW, LSW
Vice President of Operations
Keisha S. Rivers, MSW, LSW, is a seasoned behavioral health professional with over 21 years of
experience in the social service field, working across diverse settings with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work, Keisha combines clinical insight with administrative expertise to drive high-quality, client-centered care.
In her current role, Keisha leads key operational areas including Electronic Health Record system management, data accuracy for both staff and clients, and collaboration with Medicaid and Managed Care Organizations to ensure service eligibility and system integrity. She plays a pivotal role in supporting accreditation and certification renewals, aligning organizational practices with state and federal standards.
For the past eight years, Keisha has officially served as a supervisor, mentoring both Bachelor’s and Master’s-level Social Work interns while fostering professional growth and strong ethical foundations. She is widely recognized for her natural ability to train and empower staff, offering hands-on support in documentation standards, engagement strategies, and resource development to enhance client care.
Keisha’s career is anchored in a steadfast belief in client rights, equitable service access, and the transformative power of empowerment. Her well-rounded expertise in behavioral health program support, leadership, and system coordination makes her a driving force in improving both organizational efficiency and outcomes for the clients served.
Ian Marcum
Human Resource Director
Ian Marcum serves as the Human Resource Director at First Alliance Healthcare, where he oversees the strategic and operational functions of the Human Resource Department. He works closely with the Vice President of Operations and CEO to ensure all HR practices are fully
compliant with regulatory entities, including Medicaid, CARF, and OAC 5122-26-06. Ian leads the onboarding and recruitment processes, coordinates staff trainings, meetings, and organizational events, and manages licensure verifications as well as Medicaid and NPI credentialing for new hires. He also facilitates internal communications, maintains critical documentation, and oversees the distribution of company technology and property. Ian holds a Master’s degree in Labor Relations and Human Resources from Cleveland State University. As
First Alliance Healthcare continues to grow and is projected to surpass 100 employees by the end of 2025, Ian remains committed to fostering a compliant, well-supported, and people-focused workplace culture.
Mike Williams
Chief of Medical Records
As Chief of Medical Records, Mike Williams brings a strong foundation in business administration and a keen eye for detail to the critical task of managing patient medical records. With a degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting and Economics from
Cleveland State University, Mike applies analytical and organizational expertise to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of all medical documentation. In this role, Mike is responsible for ensuring full compliance with HIPAA and other regulatory requirements, managing audit responses, and implementing best practices for data security.
With a commitment to operational excellence, Mike leads efforts to maintain accurate, complete, and secure health records—ensuring both quality patient care and institutional accountability
Elizabeth Fulkroad, MSSA, LISW-s
Clinical Supervisor of Intake
Elizabeth is a full-time employee at First Alliance Healthcare of Ohio. As the Clinical Supervisor of Intake, she provides administrative oversight to the Clinical Intake Team. She develops, implements, and monitors the Intake Department standards, ensuring that they meet the needs of the clients and are in compliance with all relevant state and federal regulations and best practices. Additionally, Elizabeth provides direct care, by completing Diagnostic Evaluations, Individual Treatment Plans, and Safety Plans for the clients FAHO serves.
Elizabeth received her undergraduate Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Notre Dame College of Ohio and her Master's of Science in Social Administration (MSSA is equivalent to an MSW) from Case Western Reserve University. She is licensed by the State of Ohio as an Independent Social Worker with the Supervision Designation (LISW-S). Elizabeth has worked in the Cleveland area for over 25 years and has decades of experience in the field of social work with state agencies, hospitals, medical providers, and community-based mental health agencies.
Elizabeth's extensive social work practice has focused on youth, families and senior populations. She has worked on interdisciplinary teams of social workers, medical staff, and community providers to deliver the highest quality of care to improve client outcomes. Elizbeth is an advocate for her clients and strives for them to leave their appointments feeling heard, understood, and valued.
