American Family Care
Our Leadership Team
Don't wait to get the medical attention you need.
After graduating from medical school, Dr. Irwin experienced firsthand the overcrowding of emergency rooms and saw the difficulty working people had accessing health care around their schedules. Knowing there had to be a better way, he envisioned a new kind of health care— with a facility equipped and staffed like an ER, and able to provide routine care from the consumer’s point of view. This simple idea came to fruition in 1982 when the first American Family Care location opened in Birmingham, Alabama. Located close to where patients lived, worked, and shopped, it offered extended hours, 7 days a week. Best of all, it provided access on a walk-in basis, so patients could get the right care, right when they needed it.
Back then – in a world where politicians, academicians, and insurance companies drove the world of medicine – the idea of patient-centered health care was a radical one. But the idea took off, and AFC began building clinics in neighborhoods all over. Today, with hundreds of clinics across the U.S. caring for millions of patients each year, AFC is the nation’s leading
provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine. Best of all, our clinics are independently owned and operated by people committed to your community.
Dr. Irwin’s pioneering efforts created a health care revolution. Today, our vision is to become one of the most admired brands in health care. The key to our success is adherence to our values, and our mission statement: To provide the best healthcare possible, in a kind and caring environment, while respecting the rights of all patients, in an economical manner, at times and locations convenient to the patient.
“From the beginning, my goal was to make high-quality healthcare as accessible as possible. That continues to this day.”
The Executive Team
Dr. Bruce Irwin, MD
Founder
Born the son of a cobbler in Center Point, Alabama, Bruce Irwin spent much of his childhood observing physicians and nurses as they tended to his father, who tragically lost both legs in a locomotive accident. This early exposure instilled in him the dream of becoming a doctor—a dream he realized after graduating from the University of Alabama School of Medicine.
As an emergency room physician, Dr. Irwin observed firsthand how non-emergencies were congesting ER waiting rooms. With an elegant vision for a better way to care for patients, but little business experience, he sketched the blueprint for what would become a network of urgent care clinics on a simple notepad. Today, American Family Care (AFC) has become the global leader in urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine – with nearly 400 medical facilities and 1,500 in-network providers, serving 5 million patients annually.
Throughout his career, Dr. Irwin remained a vanguard in the medical field. He held a Fellowship in Primary Care Development at Michigan State University and was board certified by the American Board of Family Practice. His contributions to society extended through his active participation and leadership in numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the National Association for Ambulatory Care, and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Dr. Irwin’s impact transcended his professional achievements. As a dedicated philanthropist, he supported various health-related causes, significantly contributing to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The American Heart Association, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and The Arthritis Foundation, among other important causes.
Dr. Irwin’s passion for providing the best care possible in a kind and caring environment has always been, and will remain, AFC’s enduring mission. Although he passed away in 2023, Dr. Irwin made an indelible mark on the world and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to influence the field of healthcare for generations.
Randy Johansen
Chief Executive Officer
Randy Johansen joined American Family Care in June, 1992 as Chief Operating Officer and became President in 2005. Randy has more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare field, primarily in finance, business administration and operations. During his tenure with AFC, the company has grown from six clinics located in Alabama to nearly 200 clinics across 26 states. He has also played an integral role in all of the company’s major acquisitions, including the purchases of Trinity Medical Contractors – a health care recruiting firm that has been renamed American Healthcare Resources – and Doctors Express, the largest urgent care franchising organization in the U.S.
Prior to joining AFC, Johansen worked for Southern Medical Health Systems in Mobile, Alabama where he served as Vice President of the Health Services Division, which included the management of physician offices, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, outpatient surgery centers, and prison health care management.
Johansen has been a featured speaker at various industry events and interviewed and/or quoted in important industry publications including The Wall Street Journal, Franchise Times, and The Ambulatory M&A Advisor, among others.
Johansen received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Northeast Missouri State University and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of South Alabama.
Bill Anderson
Chief Financial Officer
Bill Anderson is a CPA and joined AFC in 2022. Prior to joining AFC, Bill spent 14 years in public accounting at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP in their Birmingham office. While at PwC, Bill provided a wide array of accounting and advisory services to large medical organizations, universities, and various other industries across the Southeast. Bill is originally from Macon, Georgia and went to Samford University for his accounting undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Jason Badyrka
Chief Operating Officer
Benjamin Barlow, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Benjamin Barlow, M.D. currently serves as Chief Medical Officer of American Family Care, the nation’s leading provider of urgent care and occupational medicine, with nearly 400 medical centers and 1,500 in-network providers caring for more than 4 million patients a year. Dr. Barlow rejoined AFC in 2024 after serving as Chief Medical Officer of Experity, a leading healthcare technology company, where he gained deep insights into healthcare software solutions that streamline clinic operations.
Dr. Barlow previously served AFC as Chief Medical Officer from 2018 to 2022. He originally joined AFC directly from the White House Medical Unit, where he personally served the health care needs of three U.S. Presidents – George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. His multi-year tenure as Senior White House Physician was the culmination of more than a decade of service to our country in the United States Air Force, where he attained the rank of Major. During his distinguished military career, Dr. Barlow was continuously assigned roles of increasing responsibility, including overseas deployment in support of combat troops and as the Emergency Department Medical Director at Langley Air Force. For his service to our nation, he is the recipient of the Presidential Service Certificate, the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal, among other noteworthy distinctions.
Dr. Barlow attended the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. He then attended the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, where he earned is Doctor of Medicine. Following medical school, Dr. Barlow was a Resident in Emergency Medicine in affiliation with Wright State University School of Medicine, serving at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
In addition to being Board Certified in Emergency Medicine, and licensed to practice in multiple states, He has also received additional training through the Mayo Clinic, the Center for Sustained Trauma and Readiness Skills, the Baltimore Shock Trauma Center, and the US Army Medical Research Institute.
William L. Koleszar
Chief Marketing Officer
Bill Koleszar currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer of American Family Care, the nation’s leading provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational health. Before entering the healthcare industry, Mr. Koleszar held various senior leadership roles in global financial services companies, including Senior Vice President of Marketing for U.S. Retail Banking, Wealth Management & Commercial Banking at BBVA, one of the 50 largest banks in the world. Prior to BBVA, Mr. Koleszar served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for Wealth Management and also Director of Product Development for Citizens Bank (The Royal Bank of Scotland), where he additionally served on the strategic planning committee. Prior to RBS, Mr. Koleszar was Chief Marketing Officer for Vesdia Corporation, a venture-backed technology company that was acquired by a private equity firm at significant return on investment to shareholders.
Ms. Koleszar’s ground-breaking research in the field of marketing has been featured in various publications, including the Developments in Marketing Science, published by the Academy of Marketing Science, Enhancing Knowledge Development in Marketing, published by the American Marketing Association and The Chief Marketing Officer Journal, jointly published by The CMO Institute and the American Marketing Association. Additionally, he has been interviewed and/or quoted as a subject matter expert on marketing and other topics by dozens of print and broadcast media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, National Public Radio, and The CBS Evening News.
Mr. Koleszar has a bachelor’s degree in marketing management from Florida State University, as well as a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Central Florida. Continuing his post-graduate education, Koleszar also studied marketing leadership at Georgia State University and completed executive education courses in leadership, strategy and service excellence through Harvard Business School.
Claudius Moore
Chief Information Officer
Claudius Moore brings to American Family Care more than 20 years of hands-on experience in information systems, information technologies, and clinical and revenue cycle management. As a result of his education and experience, Mr. Moore has mastered a method of leveraging technology to drive revenue and lower costs for healthcare systems, while also creating high-quality, efficient experiences for patients.
As the Chief Information Officer, Mr. Moore provides leadership for the continued development of an innovative, robust, and secure information technology environment throughout AFC. He oversees the architecture and implementation of operational and business support systems, as well as the implementation and support of unique applications that will define AFC as a leader in the healthcare arena.
Prior to joining AFC, Mr. Moore served as the Chief Information Officer for The South Bend Clinic in South Bend, Indiana, which is a physician-owned multi-specialty group that has served the community for more than 100 years.
He has a dual master’s degree in information technology management and business administration from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Sierra Leone. In addition, he holds a graduate certificate in computer information science from the Catholic University of America and is a Microsoft Certified System Administrator (MCSA).
Laura Bradbury
Vice President, Franchise Operations
Laura Bradbury currently serves as Vice President of Franchise Operations at American Family Care (AFC) and AFC Franchising, LLC (subsidiary), the nation’s leading provider of accessible primary care, urgent care, and occupational medicine. AFC cares for nearly 4 million patients a year across more than 280 locations throughout 28 states with 800 in-network providers.
As Vice President of Franchise Operations, Bradbury leads the execution of ongoing franchise business operations in alignment with AFC’s overall brand and growth objectives.
Bradbury joined AFC in 2013. Prior to her role as Vice President of Franchise Operations, she held the position of Director of Franchise of Franchise Operations and as a Franchise Business Consultant.
Before joining AFC, Bradbury served as a Franchise Business Consultant for Doctors Express and a Franchise Success Manager for Any Lab Test Now.
Bradbury has a bachelor’s of science degree from University of Florida.
Tara Cox
Vice President, Clinical Operations
Tara Cox currently serves as the Vice President of Clinical Operations of American Family Care, Inc, the nation’s leading provider of accessible primary care, urgent care, and occupational medicine. AFC cares for 4 million patients a year across more than 280 centers throughout 28 states. Since Tara joined AFC in 2012, she has worked in several clinical and leadership roles, including Center Administrator and Director of Operations.
In her current role, Tara is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the Birmingham, Montgomery, East Alabama, South Alabama, and Florida markets. Tara provides direct oversight to all clinical staff, management and providers to ensure excellent patient care. Tara has been instrumental in the growth of AFC and directly involved in new facility openings in the South Alabama, Florida, and Birmingham markets.
Tara attended Columbia Southern University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration.
Scott Crawford
Vice President, Revenue Cycle Management
Joey Gechijian
Vice President, Real Estate and Construction
Jessica Higginbotham
Vice President, Clinical Services
Jessica joined AFC in 2019 and currently serves as the Vice President of Pharmacy Services. In her role, Jessica provides clinical pharmacy services as well as manages the U-Save Pharmacy Chain, which is comprised of 10 retail pharmacies located throughout Alabama.
Prior to AFC, Jessica practiced as an emergency medicine clinical pharmacist at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), as an inpatient cardiology clinical pharmacist at Metropolitan Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, as an ambulatory care clinical pharmacist at Lapointe Health Clinic at Fort Campbell (KY), and community pharmacist at Blanchfield Army Hospital at Fort Campbell (KY).
Jessica is Board Certified in both Geriatrics and Cardiology. She was awarded the Mel Liter Clinical Pharmacy Award by the U.S. Army Medical Department which recognizes excellence in the practice of Clinical Pharmacy and pharmaceutical care.
Patti Holt
Vice President, Recruiting
Patti joined AFC in 2014 and currently serves as the Vice President of Physician Recruiting for American Healthcare Resources (subsidiary). In her role, Patti oversees the recruitment services of physicians, mid-level providers, and health professionals for both AFC and non-AFC organizations across the country, but also serves as an approved vendor for AFC Franchising, LLC (subsidiary).
Prior to AFC, Patti spent 15+ years in management and leadership of medical personnel recruiting, staffing, and case management.
Patti has received Recruiting Recognitions of Outstanding Performance while working with AFC and was awarded the Vital Circle Award, along with Special Recognition Awards for Excellence and Teamwork. She also received several Honors of Recognition during her career to include an Outstanding Leadership Commendation by the State of Alabama Department of Human Resources.
Meagan F. Price
Vice President, Marketing
Meagan Price currently serves as the Vice President of Marketing for American Family Care, Inc. and AFC Franchising, LLC (subsidiary), the nation’s leading provider of accessible primary care, urgent care and occupational medicine. AFC cares for nearly 4 million patients a year across more than 280 locations throughout 28 states with 800 in-network providers. With over eight years of multi-unit health care marketing experience, she began her career with the company in 2020 as the Director of Franchise Marketing for AFC Franchising, LLC. In 2022, she was promoted to her current role of Vice President of Marketing where she leads marketing and patient experience initiatives to enhance AFC’s brand position and growth objectives.
Prior to joining American Family Care, Price held various leadership roles including Regional Marketing Manager for MyEyeDr., a Vienna, VA based top 10 U.S optical company with over 800 units, and Marketing Director for Schaeffer Eye Center.
Price has a bachelor’s degree in communication and information science from The University of Alabama. She is a member of the Junior League of Birmingham and has also completed executive education courses in leadership, strategy, and service excellence through The Chief Marketing Officer Institute.
Katie Reeves
Vice President, Managed Care
Paige Robinson
Vice President, Franchise Development
Paige Robinson has fifteen years of experience in the franchise space. Having worked for multi-unit and multi-state operators in both the quick casual and retail verticals, she began her journey in healthcare franchising with American Family Care in 2015. Paige first served as National Sales and Marketing Director, which provided unique insight into both operations and the operators at AFC. After having the opportunity to learn the organization from the inside out for 2.5 years, it was the perfect segue into her role as Director of Franchise Development in 2017, and subsequent promotion to Vice President, Franchise Development in May 2022.
A passionate franchise developer and marketer with an entrepreneurial spirit, Paige and her husband also own their own multi-territory franchise business with N-Hance Wood Refinishing in Birmingham, Alabama.
About American Family Care: Starting with a single location in 1982, American Family Care has pioneered the concept of non-emergency room urgent care. Today, with more than 280 medical centers and 1000 physicians caring for more than 6 million patients annually, AFC is the nation’s leading provider of urgent care and occupational medicine – and ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S.
Greg Scholtz
Vice President, FP & A
James Sermons
Vice President, Human Resources
James Sermons currently serves as Vice President, Human Resources at American Family Care (AFC) with over 17 years of experience supporting the “People” sector for various local and national organizations, holding professional Human Resource leadership positions.
James began his journey as an advocate in human capital, supporting various companies through agency placements. Developing business relationships, cultivating partnerships, and leveraging talent became the foundation to developing his leadership in the People sector. James’ evolution as a Human Resources Practitioner has taken him into areas of For-Profit Education, Automotive Manufacturing and Hospitality.
James embraces diversity and completed his formal education abroad. James holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honors degree in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations from the University of Manitoba.
Chris Sherrod
Vice President, Procurement
Chris joined AFC in 1993 and currently serves as the Vice President of Materials Management. In his role, Chris runs AFC Purchasing, LLC and is responsible for procurement, contract management, inventory control, and fixed assets. He is also responsible for order fulfillment for medical supplies and equipment for AFC Franchising, LLC (subsidiary) and its franchise owners.
Chris has also served in several other capacities for AFC including; Lab Director, Birmingham Operations Director, and Purchasing Director.
Williiam Talley
Vice President, Facilities Management
William joined AFC in 1995 and currently serves as the Vice President of Facilities Management. In his role, William is responsible for AFC’s facility development and day-to-day property management.
Prior to AFC, William spent 12 years in the construction industry with a focus on Building and Construction Management. During that time, he was a journeyman carpenter and an AGC Certified Trained Supervisor.
Salisia Valentine
Vice President, Provider Services
Salisia joined AFC in 2015 and currently serves as the Vice President of Provider Services. In her role, Salisia oversees 140 Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants and coordinates with various internal departments to ensure smooth clinical operations and provider staffing. She actively works with Human Resources to facilitate preceptorship placement for future APPS, she works with Provider Services to ensure we remain a resource and support to all providers, and she works with Marketing as an active participant in community health fairs subject matter expert for Public Relations.
Prior to AFC, Salisia served as a Nurse Tech at Jacksonville Hospital (AL) and is now an actively practicing Family Nurse Practitioner.
Salisia attended Jacksonville State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then continued her education at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning a Master of Science in Nursing.
Charlie Duffield
Executive Administrator
Michael Chester
General Counsel
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