Announcing HAAM's 2026 Board of Directors

HAAM is proud to announce changes to our Board of Directors as we continue our mission to provide access to affordable healthcare for Austin's music community.

As we move into 2026, we extend our deepest gratitude to our departing board members who have contributed their time, expertise, and passion to supporting Austin's musicians. Their leadership has been instrumental in helping HAAM provide vital healthcare programs and services to our incredible local music community.

At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome our newest board members, whose diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to Austin's music scene will help guide HAAM into its next twenty years. These incoming leaders bring fresh perspectives and valuable experience that will strengthen our ability to serve Austin's musicians.

Stephen Jeffrey, Nikelle Meade, and Tim Taylor at HAAM’s 2025 Holiday Board Luncheon

Thank you to Nikelle Meade

HAAM Board Chair Nikelle Meade, Partner at Husch Blackwell LLP, received a Gold Record for her leadership as Chair and will transition to Immediate Past Chair in 2026.

Join us in thanking these incredible Board members for their critical contributions to HAAM's mission!

Thank you to our Retiring Board Members

A massive thank you to two very special board members who are retiring from our Board of Directors in 2025. Tim Taylor and Stephen Jeffrey have both contributed their invaluable expertise to further and deepen the work we do at HAAM.

Tim Taylor has been a HAAM board member since 2008, serving as board Chair from 2010-2012, and Chair of the HAAM Day Music Festival committee from 2007-2008. He also was the brains behind the Corporate Battle of the Bands event which started off small at the Belmont and then moved to Antone’s, growing from $2,500 raised to over $300,000 today. Tim has also supported HAAM through his work on the real estate, finance, and governance committees during his board tenure. He also has leveraged his role at Jackson Walker to help HAAM with its bylaws, trademarks, and other legal issues, including ensuring HAAM would not be assessed property taxes in our new building. Tim’s legacy is evident in the growth of the organization and its continued focus on serving musicians.

Stephen Jeffrey joined the board in 2016 and has served in various leadership roles, include Vice-Chair (2017-2018); Chair (2019-2020); Past Chair-Treasurer (2021); and Board Treasurer (2022-2025). He also has served on the Real estate, Finance, and Pearl Society committees. Stephen was instrumental in securing PNC’s support for CBOB and HAAM Day with a three-year commitment. He also not only sang and played guitar in PNC’s C-Notes band in CBOB but also contributed his talents to other bands participating in CBOB. He assisted HAAM with negotiating how HAAM would take on the dental program as it transitioned from CADIF. His legacy is in helping to steward HAAM’s finances as it experienced significant growth over the past five years.

Stephen and Tim, we cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support and commitment to HAAM. Y’all will be sorely missed!

Introducing our New HAAM Board Members

Aaron von Flatern, Founding Partner, FVF Law

Aaron von Flatern is a founding partner of FVF Law and a trusted advocate for individuals and families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. A former insurance adjuster turned trial lawyer, Aaron brings a rare combination of insider knowledge, strategic insight, and practical guidance to cases involving life-altering injuries or wrongful death. His ability to translate complex issues into clear, actionable advice has made him a steady and effective champion for his clients.

Aaron’s results have earned him membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and Million Dollar Advocates Forum, distinctions reserved for attorneys who have secured significant recoveries for their clients. He has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyers® honoree since 2022, following four consecutive years as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star.

A proud Longhorn, Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Texas and a J.D. from Baylor Law. Outside the office, he’s a true Austin enthusiast—cheering on Austin FC, enjoying live music and good barbecue, and attempting exactly one marathon, which he’s happy to leave in the past. He served on the Northwest Little League board for six years and his greatest joy is coaching his son Fielder’s baseball team, where he brings the same heart, patience, and leadership he’s known for in his practice.

HAAM Connection: FVF law has been a major supporter of HAAM, contributing to HAAM’s Capital Campaign with a $100,000 gift as well as sponsoring HAAM Day and We Are Austin’s Music Mondays, featuring HAAM musicians. Aaron is also a Pearl Society member and a huge supporter of music in Austin.

Dr. Chad Whited, Austin Ear Nose & Throat Clinic

Dr. Chad Whited is a board-certified Otolaryngologist / Head and Neck surgeon with specialized fellowship training in voice, swallowing, and airway disorders. Dr. Whited is currently the only fellowship-trained laryngologist in Austin and is equipped with a state-of-the-art voice lab for comprehensive video evaluations. Dr. Whited’s goals of providing world-class voice care to the Live Music Capital of the World have been recognized by his peers and Texas Monthly as a Super Doctors Rising Star.

Using the most up-to-date equipment, Dr. Whited is able to perform numerous procedures, such as vocal fold injections, biopsies, and airway evaluations, safely and comfortably in the office, saving patients from having to go to the operating room. Dr. Whited also has specialized training in the management of laryngeal cancers using microscopes and lasers to remove cancerous tissues while preserving normal vocal fold tissue, optimizing patient outcomes.

A native Texan, Dr. Whited graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, where he served as class president. He then completed his residency in Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery at Duke University Medical Center, where he earned the Appleseed award for teaching. Dr. Whited then pursued advanced fellowship training in voice, swallowing, and airway disorders at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Whited believes that it is important for an Otolaryngologist, Speech-Language Pathologist, and the patient to work together to develop a comprehensive plan for evaluating and treating voice and swallowing disorders. He is an active educator with his patients, has instructed at national meetings, and has authored numerous scientific publications and book chapters.

Outside of the office, you can find Dr. Whited spending time with his family, running around Lady Bird Lake, enjoying Austin’s live music, playing golf, or exploring the Hill Country.

HAAM Connection: Chad in his role at Austin ENT has provided pro bono medical services for HAAM musicians for many years. He has been an active provider partner along with his colleague Michael Yium, MD. Chad and his wife Amy are supporters of HAAM. Chad also facilitated Austin ENT’s sponsorship of the 2025 HAAM Day Music Festival. He is well versed in the issues faced by HAAM musicians.

Steven D. González, Regional President, PNC Bank, Austin

Steven D. González is regional president of PNC Bank, Austin. In this role, he has direct oversight of business development, building and maintaining client relationships and leading philanthropic initiatives in support of the Austin community.

González currently serves as market leader for PNC’s Corporate Banking business in Austin and will continue in the role in addition to the regional president position. With more than 18 years of financial industry experience in Austin, González’s background includes a range of middle market and corporate banking roles, with responsibilities that included credit analysis, treasury management and business development.

As the market leader for Corporate Banking, he and his team help companies with annual revenue greater than $50 million grow their businesses while delivering best-in-class banking products and services, along with well-informed and timely advice to help them accomplish their business goals.

He prioritizes community involvement and is an active participant in the region currently serving on the board of Opportunity Austin, Austin Theatre Alliance, The Contemporary Austin, Austin PBS and the Andy Roddick Foundation Leadership Council.

González received a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in accounting and finance from The University of Texas at El Paso.

HAAM Connection: Steven and his wife Janel are Pearl Society members. Steven is an active partner with HAAM in his role at PNC and has helped facilitate PNC’s major sponsorships of CBOB and HAAM Day. Steven is also a band member of PNC’s C-Notes, participating in the Corporate Battle of the Bands over several years.

Wendy M. Smith, DSc, MHA, Partner | Healthcare Executive | Strategic Advisor, Mercer

Wendy is a Partner for Mercer based in Austin, TX working for the Health and Benefits practice in the Central Region. Wendy is a distinguished healthcare executive with over 35 years of experience leading transformation in healthcare delivery, strategy, and operations across payer, health system, and consulting sectors. Wendy is recognized for her expertise in value-based care models and innovative strategies to enhance healthcare quality, reduce costs and enhance patient experience.

Wendy’s career spans leadership roles in diverse areas of the healthcare ecosystem, including as CEO of health plans (Managed Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Duals and Commercial populations), and key positions within health systems. Wendy’s exceptional ability to drive systemic change in complex organizations has established her as a leading authority in healthcare management. Before her Mercer role,she served as the National Practice Leader for Delivery System Transformation at Aon, where she developed strategies to optimize care delivery, improve total cost of care, and enhance quality for large and jumbo self-insured employers across North America.

Wendy holds a Doctorate in Healthcare Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a master’s in healthcare administration from Texas State University, and a Bachelor’s in biology from Southwestern University. She also serves as a professor at Texas State University in the Executive MHA program and is a frequent lecturer and conference speaker. Wendy advises multiple health tech start-ups in Women’s Health, Longevity, Chronic Diabetic Management, and Wound care as a passion project.

HAAM Connection: HAAM’s relationship with Wendy dates back to 2015/2016 when she was the VP of the Seton Health Plan. She was also our department head and we reported up to her within the Seton system. She was a great advocate for HAAM within Seton and also provided technical assistance and strategic guidance.