CHICAGO, August 28, 2017 — Oral Health America (OHA) is pleased to announce the Chair and Co-Chair for its 28th Annual Gala & Benefit on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.

Robin Gathman of PLANMECA USA will serve as Gala Chair while Shirlene “Charlie” O’Russa, BS, R.D.H. of Whip Mix Corporation will be the Gala Co-Chair. These roles are vital in guiding and providing resources to OHA's Gala Planning Committee and for the success of the Gala. 

Ms. Gathman is the Tradeshow and Special Events Manager for PLANMECA. Giving back has always been important to her, especially in the dental community. She sits on the America’s Dentists Care Foundation Board of Directors, the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Board of Trustees and the Chicago Dental Society Foundation Free Clinic Board of Managers. Each of these organizations work towards providing access to dental care for the less fortunate. Ms. Gathman has served on the Gala Planning Committee for 10 years.

Ms. O’Russa is the Western Region Territory Sales Manager for Whip Mix Corporation. She began her career in dentistry as a dental assistant, then practiced dental hygiene for 18 years. Ms. O’Russa serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for Southern Illinois University and volunteers for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria, IL. She has served on the Gala Planning Committee the past three years.

OHA’s Annual Gala & Benefit provides crucial and principal support which drives oral health programs that increase access to care, education through workshops and internship and fellowship opportunities as well as advocacy for vulnerable populations of all ages.

To learn more about OHA's 28th Annual Gala & Benefit, visit oralhealthamerica.org/gala.