FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY – [September 25, 2025] – The Shils Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship in oral health and healthcare, is proud to announce the addition of three new board members: Dr. Ashley Lerman, Jennifer Kim Field, and Mohamed Abdullah. These accomplished professionals bring unique expertise, leadership, and passion to the Shils Fund, strengthening its mission to help cultivate the next generation of leaders across oral healthcare and beyond.
Dr. Ashley Lerman — Founder & CEO, FirstGrin
Ashley Lerman, DDS, is a board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of FirstGrin, an oral-health product and technology company that equips families with preventive tools and education from pregnancy through early childhood and beyond. A Columbia University and Columbia–NewYork-Presbyterian–trained specialist, she has built a national platform that has reached millions, improving access to prevention and care. Dr. Lerman is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. “I’m honored by the Shils Fund, which has been instrumental in FirstGrin’s growth and our ability to help families with oral health and prevention from the very start,” said Dr. Lerman. “I’m excited to join the board among visionaries who are moving access and innovation forward in oral health.”
Jennifer Kim Field — Chief Sustainability Officer, Henry Schein, Inc.
Jennifer Kim Field is Chief Sustainability Officer at Henry Schein, Inc. and Interim President of the Henry Schein Cares Foundation. She leads the company’s global citizenship and sustainability strategy—working with the Board and senior committees to meet science-based targets, ensure compliance with evolving standards, and oversee performance. Field also directs global philanthropy to expand access to care, advance wellness and prevention (including the oral–systemic link), support disaster readiness and relief, and build capacity for health professionals. Her leadership in access to care and provider support aligns seamlessly with the Shils Fund’s mission to foster entrepreneurship and philanthropy across the dental and medical sectors. “As a new board member, I look forward to advancing initiatives that connect the health care industry, clinicians, and communities to improve prevention and wellness in innovative ways,” said Field.
Mohamed Abdullah — Northeast Region Executive, Bank of America Practice Solutions
Mohamed Abdullah is the Northeast Region Executive for Bank of America Practice Solutions, leading a team of healthcare-focused business development officers across New England and the Mid-Atlantic. With 20+ years at Bank of America—over a decade in Practice Solutions—he has helped hundreds of dental and medical practitioners finance startups, expansions, and transitions. Known for a strong expert network and steady guidance through complex transactions, Abdullah manages regional strategy and key partnerships that advance provider success. His financial expertise will be invaluable as the Shils Fund expands programs and broadens its impact on healthcare innovation and education.
“We proudly welcome our new board members, whose expertise and leadership will strengthen our mission, inspire innovation, and guide us toward continued growth and success” said Keith Drayer, President of the Shils Fund.
About the The Shils Fund
The Shils Fund champions innovation and entrepreneurship in oral health and healthcare by supporting leaders, ideas, and programs that improve access to care and advance the field. Learn more at shilsfund.org.
Media Contact:
Jamie Pirowskin
Executive Director, The Shils Fund
info@shilsfund.org
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