Dr. Cason Benton, MD, FAAP
UAB, Professor
DIRECTOR
Dr. Benton developed a strong interest in quality improvement after seeing how QI improved care for her practice. She attended medical school at the University of Alabama Heersink School of Medicine and completed residency at The University of Washington in Seattle. She joined the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1998 and is an Professor of Pediatrics. She practices with UAB’s Pediatric and Internal Medicine/Pediatric residents in the Primary Care Clinic. She was medical director of the clinic prior to accepting the position of Director of the newly formed Alabama Child Health Improvement Alliance (ACHIA).
She is on the Board of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics an serves as the Network Medical Director for Alabama Care Plan, an Alabama Medical Region B Health Home.
She has been honored with Ralph E Tiller Distinguished Faculty Award, Argus Society Awards for Excellence in Pediatric Teaching and Special Achievement Awards from the AAP Alabama Chapter. She lives in Birmingham with her husband and teenage son and daughter. She enjoys hiking.
Rachel Latham
Alabama Chapter-AAP Project Coordinator
PROJECT MANAGER
Rachel Latham serves as the Project Manager for ACHIA through her role with the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, assisting both entities in building a strong foundation for quality improvement activities. After receiving her master’s degree in education from the University of Montevallo, Rachel taught in both public and independent schools in Birmingham. Upon her retirement from education, Rachel felt a strong desire to continue doing meaningful work to improve the lives of the children in Alabama. Moving to the non-profit venue, she uses her experience in early childhood best practice, research, writing, communication, and a continuous love of learning to advance, expand, and improve healthcare for children across the state. She lives with her husband and two children, and loves every dog she sees and all things outdoors.
Peyton McIlwain
UAB, Program Coordinator
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Peyton McIlwain serves as the Program Coordinator for ACHIA as well as The UAB Department of Academic General Pediatrics. She is responsible for administrative support of the execution and development of ACHIA projects and serves as a liaison between UAB and ACHIA. Peyton graduated from The University of Montevallo in 2019 and has served in her current role since 2022. She is excited to contribute to meaningful improvements in pediatric healthcare across the state and to further develop her experience with quality improvement.
Zachary Garmon
UAB, Administrative Supervisor
FINANCIAL OFFICER
Zack Garmon is currently the Financial Officer for ACHIA as well as The UAB Department of Pediatrics. He is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, invoicing, and money management for ACHIA and the department. He started his career in UAB Accounts Payable after graduating college in 2007 and in 2010 accepted his current position in Pediatrics.