Fresh Faces, Fresh Perspectives: Welcoming Our Newest Board Members!

At GASP, we’ve long believed our strength lies in the people who help us fight for cleaner air in southwestern Pennsylvania. Today, we are absolutely THRILLED to introduce two incredible new additions to our Board of Directors: Dr. Rachel Wojcik and Dr. Nesta Bortey-Sam.

Additionally, two board members – Kate St. John and Marla Ferency – were re-elected.

“Both Rachel and Nesta bring a wealth of scientific and medical expertise that will be invaluable as we continue to push for better air quality and public health protections in our region,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said.

GASP President Jonathan Nadle agrees Rachel and Nesta are great additions to the board, adding, “They also are really nice people.  It’s been a pleasure getting to know them and we look forward to having a long, productive relationship.”  

Meet Nesta Bortey-Sam

Nesta is a powerhouse in the world of toxicology and public health. He serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.

His work is all about the how and why—specifically, how environmental exposures lead to disease.  Nesta is part of a team studying how indoor and outdoor pollutants affect asthma severity right here in Allegheny County. He’s using advanced techniques to track pollutants back to their sources, helping us understand exactly what is in our air.

Another major focus of his research involves prenatal exposure to toxins and how they affect birth outcomes and long-term health.

Meet Rachel Wojcik

If there’s anyone who understands the direct impact of air quality on our lungs, it’s a pulmonary specialist.

Rachel is a physician and clinician-educator specializing in pulmonary and critical care medicine. After completing medical school at the University of Colorado, she moved to Pittsburgh for her residency and fellowship training—and we are so glad she stayed!

She is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical medicine and environmental advocacy. Her goal is to bring vital education regarding air pollution and climate change to fellow physicians and the local community.

“As southwestern Pennsylvania continues to face unique air quality challenges, having a board that combines medical frontline experience with cutting-edge toxicological research ensures that GASP remains a leader in science-based advocacy,” Campbell added.

Please join us in giving Rachel and Nesta a big, warm welcome to the team. We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make.