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Board of Trustees

The Life University Board of Trustees provides strategic oversight and guidance in support of the University’s mission, vision and long-term success. Representing a broad range of professional backgrounds, including chiropractic, higher education, finance, law, technology, entrepreneurship, business, aeronautics and accreditation, the Trustees bring valuable experience and diverse perspectives to the institution.

Together, they help strengthen Life University’s commitment to academic excellence, institutional growth and Lasting Purpose.

The Chair and Vice Chair of Life University’s Board of Trustees provide strategic leadership and guidance, supporting the University’s mission, institutional growth, and commitment to academic excellence and Lasting Purpose.

Chair, Board of Trustees

Dr. Sandy Elbaum, a 1990 graduate of Life University, has been in family practice since 1991 in Chester, Virginia, alongside her husband and fellow LIFE graduate, Adam Elbaum, D.C. Throughout her career, she has represented numerous chiropractic organizations in Virginia and beyond. She is a LIFE P.E.A.K. doctor, State Alumni Representative, LIFEforce doctor and member of LIFE’s President’s Circle. In recognition of her contributions to the profession, she was named Chiropractor of the Year by the Virginia Society of Chiropractic in both 1999 and 2007. As Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Elbaum brings her extensive experience and commitment to Life University to the leadership of the institution.

Vice Chair, Board of Trustees

Dr. Charlie Saboura, a 1998 graduate of Life University, has over three decades of experience in health care as both a chiropractor and medical technologist. He owns and operates a successful chiropractic clinic in Marietta, Georgia, and also serves patients at Wellstar’s multidisciplinary Spine Center. A strong advocate for integrative care, he has helped build connections between Chiropractic and conventional medical providers throughout the region. Dr. Saboura was elected to the Life University Board of Trustees in July 2025 and was elected Vice Chairman of the Board at the October 2026 Board meeting. A long-time Cobb County resident, he is dedicated to community service, patient wellness, and the continued evolution of vitalistic healthcare education.

Life University’s Trustees bring extensive leadership experience and professional expertise to the University. Their collective knowledge helps guide institutional priorities, support responsible governance and advance opportunities for future generations of students.

Bill Cullen

Bill Cullen joined the Life University Board of Trustees in October 2024, bringing 37 years of experience in technical and operational leadership within aerospace launch systems. Currently serving as the Launch 25 and Launch Systems Leader, Cullen has held key roles at top companies, including overseeing Atlas V and Delta IV operations. Known for his expertise in improving launch safety, cost-efficiency, and schedule performance, he has led significant projects like Vulcan upgrades. Cullen holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering from the University of Illinois and has served on several educational and community boards in Florida.

aaron gagnon

Board of Trustees Chairman Aaron Gagnon, CPA, CIA, was elected to the LIFE Board in July 2012. He is a 1994 Accounting graduate of Kennesaw State University and is currently the Partner, Chief Audit Officer for McKinsey & Company.

Board of Trustees member Dr. Janell Gibson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Georgia, as well as a Master of Science in Psychology and Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University. She brings more than 20 years of higher education administration experience to the Board. She is currently the Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Columbia Southern University.

Board of Trustees member Richard “Rich” Giuli, a graduate of California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, is the Sr. VP of Engineering for GreenRock Robotics. He is married to LIFE graduate Amie Bend, D.C. Both are the lead contributors to Life U’s Generations Wall project, which recognizes families that exemplify the passage of the Chiropractic torch down through their family members, generation to generation, helping to ensure the health of a nation.

Board of Trustees member Dr. Jay Handt, a graduate of New York Chiropractic College, is a founding member of LIFEforce and the New York Chiropractic Council, a New Beginnings board member and a partner in the InnerWinners Seminars. He has been an unwavering supporter of LIFE’s President’s Circle and loves being a facilitator at LIFE Leadership Weekends, helping prospective students discover how Chiropractic fits in their lives. His wife Mrs. Kathi Handt is a member of the league of Chiropractic Women, and both his son Dr. Josh Handt and daughter Dr. Morgan Handt are also chiropractors.

Dr. B.J. Hardick, a 2001 graduate of Life University, has been in active chiropractic practice since that time, serving patients through his family’s private clinic in London, Ontario, Canada. A longtime advocate for natural health and chiropractic philosophy, Dr. Hardick is also a published author and international speaker on topics ranging from nutrition to wellness. He is a LIFEforce doctor, past recipient of Life U’s Chiropractor of the Year award and a former President of the Life University Alumni Association (LUAA). Dr. Hardick lives and leads with a deep commitment to Vitalism and Lasting Purpose.

Dr. Salvatore LaRusso profile picture

Dr Salvatore D. LaRusso, D.C., F.I.C.A. (Hon.) is a 1978 graduate of New York chiropractic college and has practiced in Palm Beach County Florida since 1979.

Since 1980 Dr. LaRusso (Sal) has served in numerous capacities and leadership positions within the Chiropractic profession with service that includes his election as president of the Palm Beach County Chiropractic Association, President of the Florida Chiropractic Council, President of the Florida Chiropractic Society, multi term board member and Chair of the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine, Florida delegate to the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Board and President of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners where during his tenure he served as treasurer and president.

Since 1976 Salvatore has been an active supporter & participant in activities involving Life University, was a donor & member of the Life University Presidents Circle, an attendee and lecturer at numerous DE seminars and acts as a postgraduate lecturer during numerous Life University sponsored continuing education programs.

Board of Trustees member Dr. Joseph Lupo is a 1978 graduate of Life Chiropractic College (now Life University). He is a board certified chiropractor through the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, a Chiropractic Wellness Practitioner (CCWP) and a non-surgical disc herniation specialist with Spinal Aid Centers of America. Dr. Lupo is a member of numerous organizations at LIFE, most notably the President’s Circle, Elite 150 and LIFEforce, and was named Life University alumnus of the year in 2005. He has practiced in Roseville, Michigan at Lupo Chiropractic Life Center since 1978.

Kevin Mason was appointed to the Life University Board of Trustees on October 15, 2026. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and experienced financial executive, Mason currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Pando Home Care, where he oversees financial strategy, reporting, compliance, and acquisitions. Previously, he held leadership and advisory roles at Accel-KKR and Ernst & Young, gaining extensive experience in financial planning, strategic growth, and mergers and acquisitions. Mason has also served as a board observer for multiple private equity-backed technology and payments companies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Brigham Young University.

Board of Trustees member Dr. Randolph “Randy” O’Dell is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic with more than 45 years of experience in Chiropractic. Dr. O’Dell practices at Walled Lake Chiropractic in Walled Lake, Michigan, and currently serves as Oakland County’s district Board Member for the Michigan Association of Chiropractors.

Life University recognizes the distinguished individuals who have served on its Board of Trustees and made lasting contributions to the institution. Their leadership, dedication and continued support remain an important part of the University’s legacy.

Board Member Emeritus Dr. Jeffrey Aita, a 1979 graduate of National College of Chiropractic, devoted more than 45 years to the chiropractic profession following the start of his practice in 1980. Prior to retiring from practice in 2025, he owned and managed a multi-chiropractor office in Bluffton, South Carolina. Dr. Aita is a LIFEforce doctor and member of LIFE’s President’s Circle. He lives an innate-driven and vitalistic lifestyle, and two of his children have followed in his footsteps as chiropractors. In recognition of his dedicated service to Life University and its Board of Trustees, Dr. Aita was elected Board Member Emeritus upon his retirement from the Board at the October 15, 2026, Board meeting.

Dr. Kevin Fogarty served on the LIFE Board of Trustees for 17 years, including 11 years as Board Chairman, and was elected Board Chairman Emeritus (Honorary) in July 2026. A 1985 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dr. Fogarty has earned advanced certifications in Spinal Biomechanics (FASBE) and Spinal Whiplash Trauma (CCST), and received his Diplomate in Philosophic Chiropractic Standards (DPhCS) from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2004. He serves on the Life University postgraduate faculty and is an internationally recognized chiropractic speaker.

Dr. Fogarty is the owner of Fogarty Chiropractic Life Clinic and Rockledge Disc Center in Rockledge, Florida. He is a past Chairman of the Florida Board of Chiropractic Medicine, a past President of the Florida Chiropractic Society, and continues to serve in leadership and advisory capacities with various national and state chiropractic organizations and associations.

Dr. R. James Gregg is one of the co-founders of Life University and has been in chiropractic practice in Garden City, Michigan since 1970. He was appointed to the Life University Board of Trustees in 2004 and was appointed as the first Board Member Emeritus at the July 2019 meeting of the Life University Board of Trustees.He has been honored with numerous awards and appointments throughout his career, including being named 1995 Chiropractor of the Year by the International Chiropractic Association. His son, Dr. James Gregg, a Life University graduate, practices alongside him at Greg Chiropractic Life Centers in Garden City.