VANESSA GRAY, MHA, CMP, CHCP
Director

Mrs. Gray’s career in Continuing Medical Education (CME) started in 2006 when she developed educational programs for Intermountain Healthcare, the largest healthcare system in Utah. In 2010, she joined Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) and has grown the CME program from 12 activities annually to an average of 450 educational offerings. Under her leadership, DMU maintains several multi-disciplinary accreditations through the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) (with commendation), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) (with commendation), the Iowa Board of Nursing, the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME), and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. 
 
Mrs. Gray wholeheartedly believes in the impact CME has on the healthcare industry. She is incredibly passionate about the role of patients and their families in the healthcare team, including medical education and research. She believes involving patients in the delivery of CME engages clinicians’ minds and hearts, reinforcing why their work matters.
 
Mrs. Gray is active in the CME profession, serving on multiple national and regional committees, including the ACCME (surveyor and mentor for novice CME professionals), CPME (6-year CME committee and ad-hoc member), Des Moines University Health Leaders (director of operations), National Commission for Certification of CME Professionals (finance committee), and Meeting Professional International, Utah Chapter (director of professional development and education). Mrs. Gray frequently presents at industry conferences on patient involvement in CME, compliance, outcomes measurement, digital accessibility, adult learning principles, data privacy, learning communities, and audience engagement.
 
Mrs. Gray received her undergraduate degree in business and economics from the University of Utah and her Master of Health Care Administration from DMU. She earned her Certified Continuing Medical Education Professional (CHCP™) credential, a designation from the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions for the most knowledgeable and skilled individuals. Mrs. Gray also has her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation.
 
Mrs. Gray lives with her family, two dogs, and a cat in Adel, IA. She enjoys visiting breweries, is a lifelong runner and triathlete, is a vegetarian with a large garden, and is an avid reader.

PAULA SECKER-JOHNSTON
Coordinator

Mrs. Secker-Johnston brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to Continuing Medical Education (CME). During her multifaceted career, Mrs. Secker-Johnston has had a passion for organization, project management, and lifelong learning.

She completed Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) training in March 2024 and is working toward certification by the end of the year. The CAPM training provides essential knowledge and skills in project management methodologies, tools, and techniques, providing a solid foundation for managing projects and contributing to organizational success.

Mrs. Secker-Johnston's professional journey has been marked by a series of impactful roles where she has lent her expertise and dedication to fulfilling organizational objectives, including project management, customer service, and process improvement. With a track record of successfully steering projects of varying scopes and complexities, she has demonstrated leadership and adept problem-solving skills. Her proficiency in coordinating resources, timelines, and deliverables has consistently culminated in the timely achievement of project goals across different domains. 

Employing a customer-centric approach, she has smoothly engaged with diverse clientele, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring positive experiences. Her communication style and proactive demeanor have earned her praise from her colleagues.

Dedicated to leveraging her diverse skill set and experiences to drive positive change, nurture growth, and contribute to the success of Des Moines University’s CME program, Mrs. Secker-Johnston embodies a commitment to excellence.

Mrs. Secker-Johnston resides with her husband in Altoona, IA. She enjoys teaching and practicing yoga, biking, gardening, and exploring the world through travel.