Bryant Harvin
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Bryant is a seasoned, mission‑driven leader with a decade of experience serving the non‑profit sector across a variety of fields, including Allied Health, Pharmacy, Counseling, and Early Childhood Education. His work in these areas reflects his commitment to advancing professional practice and creating lasting change in the communities he serves.
With expertise in accreditation, adult education, and program and project management, Bryant has led national and state‑level initiatives that have elevated professional standards, improved learning outcomes, and supported innovation across the non‑profit sector.
NAEHD was founded through the lived experiences of his sister, Donna, and himself. Their journeys shaped the organization’s mission and its inclusive approach to uniting diverse stakeholders committed to ending health disparities.
Bryant serves on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Rural Health Association (VRHA), is a finalist for RISE Health’s 2026 Trailblazer Award, and contributes to national association research and leadership as a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Foundation’s Success Leader Panel.
Outside of his work, Bryant enjoys cooking, traveling, spending time with family, and hanging out with his vibrant dog niece, Teddi, the cutest Yorkie Bichon you will ever meet.
Cooper Mayo
Membership and Policy Research Intern
Cooper Mayo is an emerging health equity advocate and public policy professional, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science at Wesleyan University with interdisciplinary training in biology and science & technology studies. In this curriculum, he is learning to combine hard science with social impact, equity, and public service. His academic and professional interests center on advancing health equity, strengthening food systems, and improving access to high-quality, community-centered care. In addition to interning at the NAEHD, he is a Fellow with Food Policy Pathways, a national mentorship and professional development program designed to cultivate emerging leaders in public policy.
His professional background includes extensive clinical and client-facing experience in veterinary medicine. As a Veterinary Assistant Intern at All Paws Cardiology in the Bay Area, Mayo performed technician duties, supported diagnostic procedures, managed medical documentation, and coordinated communication among clients, clinics, and pharmacies. He has also served as a Veterinary Extern at Pieper-Olson Memorial Hospital and as a Clinic Assistant at Pets in Need, where he assisted with surgical preparation and patient care.
At Wesleyan, he was a member of the NCAA Division III Varsity Swim and Dive Team for three years, competing in the NESCAC Conference and ranking among the program’s All-Time Top 10 performers in multiple breaststroke events. He also served as the DEI representative for men’s swimming and participated as a member of the Student Athlete of Color Leadership Council, contributing to campus-wide discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Beyond athletics, he is involved with Cardinal Canines, partnering with the Forever in My Heart Foundation to help raise service dogs.
Shannon Biassou
Education and Advocacy Intern
Shannon Biassou is an aspiring physician assistant and emerging health leader passionate about advancing health equity and expanding access to health education in underserved communities. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from Florida State University, where she also studied chemistry and psychology, strengthening her interest in both the science of medicine and the social factors that influence health.
During her time at Florida State, Shannon was actively involved in organizations focused on service, leadership, and expanding opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare. She served on the board of the National Society of Black Women in Medicine and The Philanthropist in You, contributing to initiatives that promoted representation in medicine and global health outreach. She also became a Certified Peer Educator and worked with FSU’s Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness, leading peer education on topics such as sexual health, HIV prevention, and violence prevention through campus workshops and outreach.
Shannon continues her commitment to community-centered healthcare through both clinical and volunteer work. As a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, she works alongside physicians across multiple specialties, assisting with patient assessments and clinical procedures. She also volunteers with Shepherd’s Hope, assisting at free medical clinics that serve uninsured patients.
In her free time, Shannon enjoys exploring different cultures through food and music, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.