Learn more about our story and our leadership

Candyce Mayer Candyce Mayer currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer of Elea Institute. In this role, Candyce oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization, manages grant applications and approvals, and also oversees project execution. Previously, she served as Chief Financial Officer at JourneyCare and Community First Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. With more than 30 years of experience, Candyce brings a wealth of knowledge not only as an experienced financial leader, but also having worked in the various healthcare sectors throughout her career.
Kent Mathy Kent Mathy currently serves as the Chairman of Elea Institute’s Board of Directors. In this role, he oversees the organization’s strategic planning, governance, and expansion. Kent brings decades of previous board management experience, including his service as Vice chairman of JourneyCare’s Board of Directors.
Mead Montgomery Mead Montgomery currently serves as the Treasurer on Elea Institute’s Board of Directors. In coordination with other leadership, he oversees the organization’s financial outlook, budgeting structure, and investment opportunities. Mead’s previous board experience at JourneyCare, Midwest Hospice, and Palliative CareCenter provides key insights for Elea’s financial developments. Additionally, Mead is a member of North Shore Senior Center's Board of Directors, serving as their Treasurer. He recently retired following a long career in business ownership and development through the investments and leadership provided by the firm he founded, Montgomery, Shelton & Company.
Julia Cormier Julia serves on Elea Institute’s Board of Directors, serving on the Investment Committee, Grants Committee, and as Corporate Secretary. She previously served as Chair of JourneyCare and Vice-Chair of Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter. Julia brings over 30 years’ global experience in financial markets including advising asset owners of large pools of capital on investment policy, asset allocation, risk management and investment selection. She has expertise across the spectrum of alternative investments, including private markets assets. Julia has a longstanding passion for the importance of end-of-life care and began her involvement over 20 years ago visiting patients and families at the bedside. She is committed to continuing to make a difference for those affected by serious illness.
Jeff Boundy Jeff Boundy currently serves as a member of Elea Institute’s Board of Directors. In his role, Jeff helps with fundraising, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. Not only is Jeff a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), but he also has previous board experience having served on JourneyCare’s Board of Directors.
Kelly Conroy Kenney Kelly Kenney is a member of Elea Institute’s Board of Directors, serving on the organization’s Grants Committee. Kelly is the CEO of the Physicians Advocacy Institute, a national advocacy organization representing physicians and patients. Her prior professional and legal experience includes founding K2 Strategies, a health policy consulting firm and nearly twenty years’ experience leading the American Medical Association’s national state legislative and regulatory initiatives.