Symposium Speakers

Kim has been a radiologic technologist for over 37 years, practicing various modalities, including CT, Interventional Radiology, DXA, OR, ER, and Mammography. Throughout her career, she has served on several Radiography Program Advisory Committees and has experience teaching and mentoring students. Kim has actively supported Maryland legislation by testifying in the Maryland House and Senate, supporting bills that make screening care more accessible to patients in the State of Maryland. As a mother of a Marine Veteran and an active member of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Kim has spent many hours supporting our men and women in uniform with care package campaigns, writing letters of support and encouragement, and assisting fellow military families across the US. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Kim values her personal time. She finds joy in reading, baking, crafting, and camping. However, her most cherished moments are those spent with her family, which she prioritizes in her busy schedule.

Heide Burke currently serves as the Director of the Anne Arundel Community College Radiologic Technology. She holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Nebraska, a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Rutgers University, and her Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology from Anne Arundel Community College. Heide is licensed in radiography, mammography, and computed tomography. She has worked as a technologist for Advanced Radiology and still currently worked for Baltimore Washington Medical Center. Prior to becoming Director Heide services as a part-time faculty member and clinical preceptor for the AACC Radiologic Technology program. Prior to working as a radiologic technologist, she served for two decades as a program advisor and higher education conference planner for Kansas State University. Among her responsibilities, Heide mentored undergraduate students, planned and managed conference logistics, negotiated and executed contracts, created and managed budgets, and recruited and managed staff and student workers. She has always enjoyed working with and motivating students as they begin or advance their careers. In her spare time, Heide enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cruising, hiking, and bird watching.

Dr. Melissa Pergola earned her certificate in radiography at Wilkes Regional Medical Center, her bachelor’s in radiologic science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her master’s and doctorate in health professions education from North Carolina State University. Her career focusing on the medical imaging and radiation therapy professions has spanned more than 30 years. She has worked as a diagnostic radiographer, radiology hospital administrator, corporate competency and global human resources specialist, and a professor in the community college and university settings. Dr. Pergola joined ASRT in 2021 as executive vice president of governance and public policy. In January 2023, she took over as the Society’s CEO and executive director. In addition, Dr. Pergola serves as the CEO of the ASRT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the ASRT. A longtime volunteer, Dr. Pergola is a past president, board chair and life member of the North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists. She also served as the ASRT Education Steering Committee chair, vice chair of the Editorial Review Board and president and chair of the ASRT Board of Directors. Dr. Pergola holds the certified association executive credential conferred by the American Society of Association Executives and she is a national and international speaker focusing on people and leadership development practices.  

Nigerie Headspeth is a seasoned recruiting and staffing professional with 23 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She specializes in attracting top talent for magnet-level hospitals, urgent care facilities, and outpatient centers nationwide. Her expertise spans full-cycle recruitment, including negotiations, forecasting, and advisory management, making her adept at handling high-volume recruitment efforts. Since 2009, Nigerie has also served as a healthcare career mentor, guiding individuals from middle school students to seasoned professionals through their educational and career paths. Her commitment to supporting postsecondary and graduate-level goals is evident in her role as a leader in career workshops, job fairs, and community volunteerism. Known for her passion, reliability, and diligence, Nigerie is praised by colleagues as sincerely “doing the most with a heart of gold,” and her heartfelt dedication. Her work ethic and forward-thinking approach are driven by a commitment to enhancing patient care through high-quality recruitment and staffing solutions

Timothy M. Merchant has over twenty-five years of leadership experience in the healthcare and medical device industry. During his career, he has proudly partnered with the largest health systems in the country. Since joining RadNet (www.radnet.com) in the spring of 2021, Tim has focused on developing cancer screening networks supporting population health. He has been active in both state and federal lobbying efforts to remove cancer screening barriers. He currently serves on the Board of Directors as Executive Director for the Florida Lung Health Coalition (www.floridalunghealth.org). Before joining RadNet, Tim led National IDN partnerships for Hologic, served as Vice President of Reprocessing Sales for Medline Industries, and worked as a National Accounts Director for U.S. Surgical-Covidien. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and post-graduate certificates from Rutgers and Northwestern Universities. He has served as lead volunteer for the Advocate Lutheran General Adult Down Syndrome Center and worked with the Northern Arizona Special Olympics.

Stephen M. Forthuber was named Senior Vice President, Field Operations of Radiologix in November 2005 after serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer of Radiologix, Inc. Steve joined Radiologix in 2000 as Regional Director of Operations for the Northeast, where he was promoted to Regional Vice President for the Northeast in 2002. Steve has 23 years of healthcare experience, with 18 of those years exclusively dedicated to radiology practice management. Before joining Radiologix, Steve held various roles at PerSe Technologies’ Physician Services Division, including Regional Vice President and Area Executive for the Northeast. As Area Executive, Steve was responsible for managing all aspects of the Physician Services’ outsourced business services and consulting in the Northeast. From 1982 through 1995, Steve worked at Medical Management Sciences, Inc. (MMS), a private company providing outsourced Reimbursement Operations and Practice Management to Radiology and Radiation Oncology practices. Steve served in many roles at MMS, culminating as the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer for Eastern Operations. Steve earned a B.A. in Business Administration from The College of William and Mary in Virginia.