Julia Zell is an attorney experienced in public health and regulatory law, specifically concerning universal vaccine purchase programs. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Washington Vaccine Association program. She has managed a government affairs team that successfully guided a statutory fix through Congress for military healthcare dependents (TRICARE), and continues to work on ameliorative, legislative projects for state departments of health.
Julia received her B.A. from Furman University in political science, her M.A. in Government from the Robertson School of Government, where she earned the “Most Outstanding Scholarship Award”, and her J.D. from Regent University, graduating magna cum laude. Following law school, she served as a law clerk in the Federal District Court in the Eastern District of Virginia. She now resides in Boise, Idaho with her two daughters.
Patrick Miller, MPH, Administrative DirectorPatrick serves as the Administrative Director of the Washington Vaccine Association and is a Principal and Shareholder with Helms & Company, Inc. He is an experienced consultant and trusted advisor whose 30+ year career has been primarily in healthcare and human services. His skillset lies at the intersection of public policy, operations, technology, and strategy. During his career, Patrick has worked across the private, nonprofit, education, and government sectors. In addition to his consulting clients, Patrick currently serves as Executive Director of the NH Vaccine Association. He sits on the board of directors for Speare Memorial Hospital. Patrick holds a bachelor of science degree in Health Management and Policy and a master's degree in public health, both from the University of New Hampshire.
Kerrie Walker, MA, Deputy ManagerKerrie serves as the Deputy Manager of the Washington Vaccine Association. With a strong background in team leadership, operational efficiency, and strategic planning, Kerrie is known for supporting senior management in achieving business goals through effective resource management, process improvement, and team development. Prior to joining the WVA, Kerrie led Talent Operations at the tech start-up, Smith.ai. She also has a background in legislative affairs and looks forward to bringing operational support to the WVA team.
Kerrie received her B.A. from the University of Connecticut in Political Science and her M.A. in Government from the Robertson School of Government. She is currently in the process of moving to the Kitsap Peninsula with her husband, who serves in the Navy, and their three children.
Leslie Walker, CPA, Chief Financial OfficerLeslie Walker, CPA, is a Director with Mason+Rich, PA who works with Helms & Company, Inc. as the Chief Financial Officer for the Washington Vaccine Association. Leslie chairs her firm's Finance Committee that oversees accounting protocols. Leslie also manages financials for a number of her firms larger clients and is an expert with Federal Grant A-133 Audits.
Holding a Bachelors Degree from New Hampshire College, Leslie is a member of the New Hampshire Society and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Ashley Ithal, MPH, Compliance and Project Support LeaderAshley serves as the Compliance and Project Support Leader for the Washington Vaccine Association and is a Senior Consultant with Helms & Company, Inc. She has over 15 years experience managing large-scale projects in the nonprofit, education, and government sectors, conducting research related to health care transparency, performing claims-based data analytics and informatics, and conducting stakeholder engagement and strategic planning activities. Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and a Master degree in Public Health, both from the University of New Hampshire.
Jody McKechnie, EDI SpecialistJody is the EDI Specialist for the Washington Vaccine Association and is a Senior Consultant with Helms & Company, Inc. She has over 25 years of experience in many areas of the healthcare industry with specialties in EDI transmissions, enrollments, and financial reconciliation. She oversaw the WVA's transition from paper-based remittance processes to electronic remittance and funds transfer, ensuring the efficient enrollment of over 200 payers. Jody is responsible for troubleshooting payer EDI issues for the WVA and provides additional, project management services.
Cheri Cagle, Stakeholder LiaisonCheri Cagle serves as the Stakeholder Liaison of the Washington Vaccine Association program. She is a Certified Professional Coder and has worked in the Pediatric office setting for over 24 years. Her previous position provided her with the ability to gain proficient knowledge in medical coding, billing and revenue cycle management. She has experience communicating with insurance companies on various matters such as claim denials, payment edits, contracts and credentialing. She initiated the training and education of the provider and clinical staff on the WVA and Department of Health requirements for the Childhood Vaccine Program. In addition, she worked with the billing software vendor and clearinghouse to set up the electronic billing of the dosage-based assessment claims to payors.
Cheri served as the President and Secretary for the Tacoma Chapter of American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) for four years ensuring the local chapter members received monthly free continuing education for maintaining their credentials. She continues to serve on the local chapter’s Conference Planning Committee which provides additional low cost continuing education to AAPC members in her community.
Terri Perkins, Senior Client Support SpecialistTerri Perkins joined Helms & Company, Inc. in the Spring of 2025 as a Senior Client Support Specialist supporting the Washington Vaccine Association. She brings thirty years of experience and passion helping providers navigate the ever-changing health insurance landscape.
Prior to her work with Helms, Terri held both staff and management positions with payers such as Cigna, Anthem, and United supporting the connections between payers and providers. Additionally, she served as a market development and training specialist for Availity working with providers in the U.S. North Atlantic States.
Terri has served as a Mentor, has obtained Certification in an emerging leaders’ program and developed training documents to support learning for both internal teams and external clients. She recognizes that people perceive and learn differently, which is important when working to bring individuals and groups together to gain knowledge. Terri consistently approaches work and the broader world with a quiet curiosity to observe, learn, and participate.
Terri’s outside interests vary from sitting by the campfire with friends to taking motorcycle rides into the unknown to investigating local wineries and breweries. She is forever grateful for the strong mentors she has been blessed to meet as they recognized her strengths and supported her growth both personally and professionally. Terri is a past volunteer with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program and looks forward to continuing her participation with Girls, Inc.