Bill Grimes, MBA
Bill knows first-hand the frustrations employees, patients, and healthcare consumers have when navigating our complex, siloed, and bureaucratic health, mental, and wellness ecosystems. With his thirty-five plus years in healthcare technologies, business development, and clinical operations experience, he has successfully built his career by designing, developing, and delivering a patient centric and emerging technology solutions that significantly improved the patient experience, while increasing engagement at regional health systems and thousands of practices and clinics across the country.
As a recognized healthcare industry thought leader and consumer advocate, his mission – vision is to bridge the ever-expanding caverns to care, by digitally transforming the Members access, utilization, and engagement across all levels of care. Bill has spent the last ten plus years forging a pathway solely focused on the employee, patient, and healthcare consumer experience by deploying the Appy Healthä Member Choice technology solution.
With decades of new patient acquisition and strategic healthcare partners market growth successes, Bill leverages his professional acumen to increase awareness of each Appy Health partners unique brand and world class treatments and services.
Bill is a husband, father of two amazing adult children, grandfather, serial entrepreneur, and a U.S. Navy veteran. A proud Texan and graduate from Baylor University. He served for 11 years as a Board Member on Baylor BRIC, which he helped launch the Innovative Baylor Business Accelerator located at the Baylor University Research and Innovation Center (BRIC). His hobbies are golf and all things aviation as he maintains and expands his vast pilot certifications.
Darrell Calderon, MD
Dr. Darrell Calderon is the Chief Medical Officer for Appy Health and an Emergency Medicine physician with over 30 years of experience. Throughout his career, he has held various key roles, most notably serving as Director of Emergency Departments across multiple facilities in the Greater Houston area. Additionally, Dr. Calderon has chaired numerous hospital committees, including the Quality Committee, Sepsis Committee, and the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. His leadership in these roles has focused on enhancing patient throughput, optimizing emergency care, and improving the overall patient experience for hospitalized individuals.
A pivotal moment in Dr. Calderon’s career occurred when he witnessed gaps in the coordination of care for his mother. This personal experience shifted his professional focus toward enhancing and optimizing patient care beyond the hospital setting.
In 2019, Dr. Calderon joined Appy Health to pursue this mission. His work with the organization centers on improving patient care and eliminating communication barriers between patients and their healthcare providers. Under his leadership, Appy Health has positioned itself as an industry leader by leveraging AI and the latest technology to ensure patients receive timely, appropriate care. The company’s solutions prioritize user-friendly navigation, empowering patients and their families to manage and maintain control over their healthcare journey.
David Robinson, MD, MS, MMM
Dr. David Robinson, MD MS MMM, is Appy Health’s Chief Informatics Officer, and a Professor of Emergency Medicine with over 30 years of clinical experience, holding positions as Medical Director, Research Director, Department and Executive Board Chair for a large County Hospital System. He holds a Master’s degrees in both Biochemistry and Medical Management.
Dr. Robinson has published extensively, contributed to numerous professional organizations, and received multiple awards for his excellence in teaching and research. His dedication to improving emergency medicine, hospital systems, and patient care is evident in his ongoing commitment to education, research, and clinical service. His work has significantly contributed to the development and optimization of hospital Observation Centers, aiming to improve patient outcomes through better management of acute and chronic management conditions. This includes the use of biochemical markers and risk stratification processes to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency.
Dr. Robinson is also deeply interested in the application of technology, particularly machine learning and applications of AI in clinical medicine. His research includes the use of telemedicine, mobile applications, and simulation-based training to enhance clinical decision-making and workflow efficiency. He has explored the impact of environmental factors on physician decision-making and the use of real-time data visualization tools to support emergency department operations. His work in this area aims to leverage technology to improve the quality and efficiency of medical care delivery.
David Kelley, PharmD
David Kelley brings over 40 years of leadership experience in the military, international sports, and healthcare. David holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from Texas Southern University. Combined with various certifications in Pharmacy Operations and Leadership, David’s 10+ years of training and experience in Acute Care settings in the Healthcare sector have developed his knowledge in the safe and effective use of medications throughout multiple patient populations. His clinical experience with the implementation of various Electronic Health Records makes him uniquely positioned to lead the Pharmacy Division at Appy Health.
Outside of pharmacy, David and his wife of 25 years, Kim, spend their free time with their three children and two dogs. After 20 years as a tennis professional, David now spends his athletic time on the golf course. Kim, an All-American and All SEC swimmer during college, is still active coaching competitive.
Venkat Cheripally
Venkat Cheripally is the Chief Technology Officer for Appy Health. He is an Innovative Technology executive with over 20 years of experience in IT industry.
Venkat has extensive experience as a Proven IT Leader in Data and Enterprise Technologies, software development, and architectural design. His successful leadership is always on display as he manages a multi-functional engineering team, which deliver complex solutions from architectural scope through deployment.
Venkat has worked with companies such as Microsoft & Thomson Reuters for more than 10 years. Venkat is skilled in Azure Architect specializing in private and public cloud PaaS, SaaS solutions, Database Architect and Administrator, Business Analysis, Agile Project Management and Project Development and Delivery.
Venkat is a husband and father of 2 kids. Outside of work, Venkat spends his time with his family and enjoys travelling with family
Christopher Carter
Christopher C. Carter is a dynamic business leader with over 20 years serving and mentoring the business community and it’s employees. His extensive experience spans multiple industries, including group health benefits, human resources, and business technology. He is quickly becoming known for helping to revolutionize group health benefits with a strategy that gives businesses, big and small, access to price transparency, continuity of care, and exceptional member advocacy. Designed to work with any health plan, this solution offers services that reduce costs and increase member support that were previously out of reach for many employers.
Christopher spent 16 years in the PEO industry, helping companies optimize their workforce and boost revenue by streamlining human capital management. His expertise in HR tools and financial services helped clients cut costs and foster growth. As the COO at Enterprise Medical Staffing, Christopher doubled both sales revenue and corporate accounts while expanding services across Texas.
Christopher’s professional journey didn’t start in the boardroom—it actually began on the football field where he spent six years in the NFL with the New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, and Houston Texans. His experience as a professional athlete shaped his leadership style and ignited his relentless drive for excellence.
A proud Longhorn, Christopher holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Austin and is a licensed insurance agent, specializing in accident, health, life, and Medicare. Today, he leads member support initiatives at Appy Health, ensuring that brokers, health plans, and members all experience top-notch service, driving higher satisfaction and utilization across the board.
Bill Grimes, MBA
Bill Grimes, a retired Army Colonel, brings over 35 years of distinguished leadership and across federal and private healthcare sectors. A Texas A&M University graduate, he holds a Master of Health Administration from Baylor University. Bill is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and possesses multiple professional certifications, underscoring his commitment to excellence in healthcare management and leadership.
Bill brings extensive expertise in performance coaching, organizational leadership, personnel management, training, and budgeting. Renowned for his collaborative and innovative approach to leadership and coaching, he has consistently enhanced individual performance and boosted organizational productivity throughout his career. After leaving the military, Bill served as the VP, Federal Sector for an emergency identification and notification system.
Some of Bill’s other career highlights include two combat deployments, establishing an electronic healthcare record system in Iraq, a Senior Fellowship with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he collaborated with senior leaders such as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. He led a comprehensive overhaul of the executive leadership structure for a $6 billion healthcare system and played a key role in implementing the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model. He also developed a governance framework, crafted a multi-year strategic plan, and led a comprehensive organizational restructuring effort for an academic medical center.
Bill is the proud father of two accomplished adult children. He enjoys playing golf and tennis, traveling with his wife, Renee, and taking his energetic dog, Ranger, on long, lively walks.
Carolyn Peavy PharmD
Carolyn Peavey brings nearly two decades of experience to her role, with 19 years in the pharmacy industry, including 15 years in retail pharmacy and 10 years of management and leadership. At the retail level, she was a dedicated mentor and trainer, shaping the next generation of pharmacists and pharmacy managers. After leaving retail, her expertise has spanned Infectious Disease and Ambulatory Surgery Centers in Houston, where she ensures compliance, operational efficiency, and superior patient care. As an Infectious Disease Clinical Consultant, Carolyn provides specialized guidance to optimize treatment outcomes.
Carolyn holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Mississippi and is proficient in Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services, including Comprehensive Medication Reviews. She has successfully implemented delivery services for assisted living facilities, organized community immunization events, and streamlined workflows to enhance productivity and reduce errors. Carolyn’s leadership extends to her time as a two-term President of the Lake Houston Pharmacy Association and her role as a delegate to the Texas Pharmacy Association, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the profession and serving her community.
Outside of her professional career, Carolyn is a proud wife and mother. Married to her husband, Christopher, for 16 years, the couple enjoys raising their two active sons. Carolyn balances her career with her personal life as a Sunday School teacher and Homeroom mom. Her oldest son plays Select Travel Baseball for the Houston Wildcatters Elite, while her youngest son is involved in league basketball, Challenge Soccer Club, and chess. Carolyn’s dedication to her work, family, and community underscores her ability to excel in all areas of her life, making her an invaluable asset to Appy Health and the Members and clients we serve.
Jason Kharman, DPT
Jason Kharman is a distinguished Physical Therapist with over 20 years of comprehensive healthcare experience.
As a licensed and board-certified Physical Therapist in Texas, Jason has excelled across all clinical settings—from outpatient care to acute care and home health—offering a patient-centered approach grounded in evidence-based practices.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Texas Tech University and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Jason’s career is marked by significant leadership roles, including Director of Rehab, Vice President of Operations, and Business Development Officer.
Jason’s extensive clinical expertise spans the treatment of spinal dysfunction, sports-related injuries, and post-surgical conditions. His work with professional and amateur athletes from the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, and NCAA has established him as a trusted consultant for sports teams nationwide.
Jason more notable focuses was on ergonomics that evolved into a comprehensive provider of sports performance and therapy services. Through the integration of movement analysis systems, wearable devices, and digital health platforms, delivered advanced, high-quality solutions tailored to individual needs.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jason finds joy spending time with his wife and dog exploring the mountains and outdoors. He has completed multiple Ironman’s, marathons, long distance cycling events and continues competing in them currently.
Cori Beth Cunningham, RN
I’m truly excited to work with you and help you take back control of your healthcare. As a registered nurse, patient care is my passion, and I’ve seen firsthand how the healthcare system can make you feel neglected, powerless, confused, and unsure of where to go for help. We’re here to change that. Your health is our top priority, and we want to empower you with the tools you need to optimize and take charge of your well-being.
I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas with a BSN in Human Environmental Science (Woo Pig!). During my time there, I had the privilege of working as a student athletic trainer for the Arkansas football team, which cemented my passion for patient care. This experience led me to pursue nursing where I earned a BSN in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. While in nursing school, I had the pleasure to tutor classmates and serve on the board of the National Student Nurses’ Association.
After graduating, I worked at the University of Kansas Health System on the Mother and Baby unit for several years. During my time there, I was nominated for a DAISY Award and awarded “The Comedian” from my fellow nursing staff. I also served as a clinical facilitator for the University of Kansas nursing school, and helped nursing students gain confidence and hands-on experience in patient care.
Debbie Grimes, PT
Debbie brings over thirty-two years of physical, cardio, and post-surgical rehabilitation experience. After graduating from Texas Women’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She started her career in Houston, TX at a regional health system that supported her personal drive to build a diverse range of clinical and treatment experiences.
She advanced to the Director of Rehab Services and successfully established a team of highly skilled medical professionals with a mission focused on best-in-class treatment plan outcomes.
Debbie is committed to establishing relations with healthcare manufacturers that meet the Appy Health standard of excellence. that showcases brand and superior quality.
Debbie has been married thirty-nine years, raised two wonderful adult children, and a grandmother of two crazy fun grandkids.