Hand to Hold is proud to announce and celebrate our new Board leadership team as we step into this next chapter of service and impact. As of January 1, Dr. Eva Wheatley has assumed the role of Board President, alongside newly appointed officers Machel Delange as Treasurer and Kam Looney as Secretary.
Together, this leadership team brings an extraordinary blend of clinical expertise, lived experience, financial stewardship, and community-centered leadership — all deeply aligned with Hand to Hold’s mission to ensure every NICU family has a hand to hold.
Dr. Eva Wheatley, Board President
Dr. Eva Wheatley is a board-certified neonatologist who has spent nearly two decades caring for premature and critically ill newborns and supporting families through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Having completed her neonatology training in Houston in 2008 and joining the Austin community in 2009, 2026 marks her 18th year in neonatology.
Dr. Wheatley currently serves primarily at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, and also supports her Pediatrix group by covering occasional shifts at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in San Marcos. Her daily work places her alongside families in the NICU — listening, guiding, and walking with them through uncertainty, hope, and healing.
From the very beginning of her involvement with Hand to Hold, Eva has brought a servant-leader mindset and a deep belief that NICU care must address both medical and emotional needs.
“My compassion for patients and their families comes from a servant mentality. I have always viewed the work we do in the NICU as serving the most vulnerable babies—and, in turn, some of the most vulnerable families. If I can apply what I have learned and the love I carry to help those in need, then I know that good work is being done.” -Eva Wheatley
As Board President, Dr. Wheatley brings a vital clinical voice, a heart for families, and a commitment to courageous conversations and thoughtful growth as Hand to Hold continues to expand its reach nationwide.
Machel Delange, Treasurer
Machel Delange joins the executive committee as Board Treasurer, bringing both professional expertise and deeply personal connection to this work.
Born and raised in New Braunfels, Texas, and now based in Houston, Machel earned her undergraduate degree in business and her master’s degree in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin. She spent nine years working across multiple areas of the accounting field before transitioning into self-employed consulting, where she now supports clients in accounting, marketing, and corporate event planning.
Machel is also a NICU mom to three children — Isabella, Zachary, and Alexander. Her daughter Isabella was born at just 24 weeks and one day and spent 99 days in the NICU. That experience continues to shape Machel’s heart for Hand to Hold and her passion for ensuring families receive the emotional support she knows firsthand is so critical.
Machel has served on Hand to Hold’s Board of Directors since January 2024. As Treasurer, she brings steady leadership, financial insight, and deep mission alignment to help steward Hand to Hold’s sustainability and long-term growth.
Kam Looney, Secretary
We are also excited to welcome Kam Looney as our new Board Secretary.
Kam is a relationship commercial banker with 25 years of experience and currently serves at Encore Bank. She brings a strong background in relationship-building, financial stewardship, and organizational leadership, along with a high-energy, people-centered presence that has already made a meaningful impact on our board.
Kam has shared that the first time she learned about Hand to Hold, the mission moved her deeply and made her want to help. She brings a big heart for children, a passion for community connection, and a commitment to active service. Kam is especially excited about helping introduce Hand to Hold to new corporate and community partners and creating opportunities that expand awareness and support for NICU families.
As Board Secretary, Kam will support strong governance, thoughtful board engagement, and organizational accountability — helping ensure Hand to Hold continues to lead with integrity, clarity, and purpose.
Looking Ahead
Together, Eva, Machel, and Kam represent a powerful leadership team grounded in compassion, service, and strategic vision. We are deeply grateful for their willingness to serve and honored to move forward with them as Hand to Hold continues to grow, innovate, and walk alongside NICU families across the country.