Board Roster and Bios

Jason Prevelige, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA
Immediate Past President

Fairfield, Connecticut | Term: 07/01/25 – 6/30/26
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Jason Prevelige is Immediate Past President of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA). Beginning his leadership career during his student years, Prevelige has held progressive leadership roles on the Board of Directors, in the House of Delegates, on various commissions, and within the Connecticut Academy of Physician Associates (ConnAPA). Prevelige served several roles within ConnAPA, including two terms as president, several terms as director-at-large, and has been the chair of the Legislative Committee since 2018.

Prevelige serves as Site Lead in the Emergency Department for Vituity at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut. Additionally, he practices in different pediatric specialties for Connecticut Children’s of Hartford, Connecticut.

As a faculty member of the Sacred Heart University PA program and the Quinnipiac University PA program, Prevelige educates the next generation of healthcare professionals in advocacy, professionalism, pediatrics and emergency medicine. His dedication to education extends even further, as he serves as a preceptor for PA, advanced practice nurses, and medical students from multiple universities.

Prevelige’s commitment to emergency care extends beyond his clinical and educational roles. He serves his community as chief of the Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department. Further, he helped establish and now sits on the board of the non-profit Operation Endeavor, which provides first responder education, public health, and disaster response services in underserved areas domestically and abroad.

Prevelige is a 2009 graduate of the Quinnipiac University PA program, earned an MBA from Quinnipiac University in 2021, and in 2023 a Doctor of Medical Science from the University of the Pacific. He resides in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he enjoys family time with his wife, Leanne, and ten-year-old son, Alexander. His interests include travel, as well as playing and coaching hockey.

A staunch champion of professional and healthcare advocacy, he is excited to continue to serve the academy in this role after a successful and rewarding year as president and chair of the board during this important time for the profession and U.S. healthcare system.

Todd Pickard, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FASCO
President & Chair of the Board

Houston, Texas | Term: 07/01/25 – 6/30/26
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Todd Pickard is president and chair of the board of the American Academy of PAs and serving his tenth term on the AAPA Board of Directors. Pickard served three terms as Speaker of the House of Delegates, building on his 15-plus years of service in the House of Delegates representing the Association of PAs in Oncology (APAO) and the Texas Academy of PAs. He has also served as the president and on leadership boards of both constituency organizations.

Specializing in oncology, PA Pickard has spent twenty-five years fighting cancer at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Joining the MD Anderson team as a PA in the department of Urology, PA Pickard has served in other roles including clinical cancer prevention, head and neck medical oncology, lymphoma, and administrative leadership. He currently serves as executive director of advanced practice, while continuing to practice in the urology department.

Inquisitive by nature, PA Pickard has spent a lifetime asking questions and seeking answers. As the PA always asking “how” or “why,” he was often tasked with finding answers when none existed or solutions when the answers weren’t good enough. PA Pickard’s reputation as a problem solver goes well beyond his work at MD Anderson, and extends to his work as a policy maker, legislative advocate, and mentor. Often reflecting on the challenges he’s faced as a PA and administrator, he enjoys being a resource for others and seeing his colleagues empowered.

His leadership journey began by volunteering to solve operational issues early in his career as a clinical PA. When Texas approved prescriptive authority for PAs, PA Pickard volunteered to help design the implementation process for his institution. As a result of these experiences, he was given the opportunity to create, and then interview for, the first PA administrative position in the newly-designated Office of PA Programs at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Advocacy for PAs has led him to other opportunities to serve. PA Pickard was the legislative chair for the Texas Academy of PAs. During his tenure he strengthened the inclusion of PA trainees and pre-PA students in legislative activity. One of his accomplishments was the elimination of PA supervision limits in Texas.

PA Pickard’s passion for oncology practice and increasing the recognition of PAs for their clinical roles in the care of patients with cancer, led him to help create and then serve as the AAPA/APAO Medical Liaison to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, where he worked with others to secure a stronger voice for PAs in Oncology.

PA Pickard earned his Bachelor of Arts in biology from the University of Texas at Austin, his Master of Medical Science from Emory University School of Medicine, and his Doctor of Medical Science from University of Lynchburg in May 2024. A believer in life-long learning, he has also acquired a graduate certificate in health care management from Rice University and completed MD Anderson certificate programs in administrative leadership and clinical safety and effectiveness. He has earned the designation of AAPA Distinguished Fellow and one of two PAs to earn Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

David J. Bunnell, MSHS, PA-C, DFAAPA
President-elect

Ellicott City, Maryland | Term: 07/01/25 – 6/30/26
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David J. Bunnell brings nearly two decades of AAPA service and leadership to his role as President-elect. He has served in leadership roles within both the AAPA and the Association of PAs in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, advancing professional development, research, and advocacy.

David is faculty in the Doctor of Medical Science program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. He previously served as associate director of the PA Program at Frostburg State University.

David has over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician associate. He has practiced in various high-acuity specialties, including cardiac electrophysiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and surgical critical care. He provided comprehensive care to patients with complex cardiovascular conditions and contributed to team-based surgical and critical care services. Before becoming a PA, he worked extensively as a paramedic, which shaped his commitment to frontline care and interprofessional collaboration.

Throughout his career, David has focused on the intersection of education, leadership, and policy. He is committed to transforming health professions education through competency-based models and purposeful integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare. He views advancing the PA profession not only as a matter of access to care but also as a commitment to leadership, research, and community impact.

David holds a Master of Science in health sciences from The George Washington University. He has successfully defended his PhD dissertation in health professions education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. His doctoral research explores Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for new graduate PAs. David lives in Ellicott City, Maryland, and enjoys writing and family time.

Paola Gonzalez, MPAS, PA-C
Director-at-Large

Houston, Texas | Term: 07/01/24 – 6/30/26
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Paola Gonzalez, MPAS, PA-C is a nationally recognized physician associate, healthcare leader, bilingual clinical provider, and passionate advocate for health equity and innovation with over 20 years of experience. Paola currently serves as Director-at-Large for the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Board of Directors. Her previous leadership roles include serving as AAPA Representative to the National Advisory Committee for Mi Hermana: Latina Health Champions with the Healthy Americas Foundation and as an appointed member of the AAPA Commission on the Health of the Public. She is a past President of PAs for Latino Health (PALH), where she also served as Chief Delegate in the AAPA House of Delegates.

As a first-generation immigrant from Colombia, she brings a deeply personal understanding of the language, cultural, and structural barriers that impact healthcare access for Latino and underserved populations. Her lived experience fuels her mission to drive systemic change and uplift marginalized voices in medicine.

Clinically, Paola has spent over 17 years at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, where she currently practices in Breast Medical Oncology. Her expertise spans multiple oncology specialties including endocrine, radiation, and surgical oncology. She helped lead a peer-to-peer initiative focused on reducing financial toxicity in cancer care by navigating insurance and healthcare system barriers. She is also a frequent educational speaker at national conferences. Her leadership continues through public speaking, mentorship, and education, inspiring future PA leaders to embed equity and cultural humility in practice.

Yasmine Affes, PA-C
Student Director

Northville, Michigan | Term: 07/01/25 – 6/30/26
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Yasmine Affes, PA-C, is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint PA program. Affes was born and raised in metro Detroit, playing sports since she was three years old.

Yasmine received a bachelor’s degree in sports and exercise science from Wayne State University in Detroit. During undergrad, Affes ran varsity track, running the 400, 200, 4×1, and 4×4. Outside of athletics, Affes served as president of the pre-PA Society at Wayne State and was president/founder of the “Herd Immunity” Club (spreading awareness of vaccine importance).

PA Affes accumulated patient care experience during undergrad as a CNA, medical assistant for a pulmonologist, and a COVID tester/phlebotomist in Detroit during the pandemic.

While in PA school, Affes was involved in her state chapter as class representative for the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA). Working closely with MAPA, she advocated at the state and national level for bills that help PAs practice to the top of their education and experience.

Katherine GeeBah Footracer, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA
Director-at-Large

Altadena, California | Term: 07/01/24 – 6/30/26
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Brittany Strelow, DMSc, PA-C, MS, DFAAPA
Director-at-Large

Rochester, Minnesota | Term: 07/01/25 – 6/30/27
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Brittany Strelow brings over fourteen years of experience as a PA to her role as Director-at-Large. She currently practices community internal medicine, geriatrics, and palliative care at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Her clinical background also includes roles in urgent care and outpatient hematology.

A passionate educator and mentor, PA Strelow was a founding faculty member and clinical co-director of the Mayo Clinic PA Program. She is currently adjunct faculty for doctorate programs at Butler University, Northeastern University, and Augsburg University. Her commitment to mentoring future clinicians was recognized with the Minnesota Academy of PAs Preceptor/Mentor of the Year Award.

She is actively engaged in scholarly activity, having authored peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and abstracts, and presented posters and lectures at local, national, and international venues. Her research and professional interests include quality improvement, preventive screenings, and mentorship.

PA Strelow has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional service and advocacy. She previously served as President of the Minnesota Academy of PAs, a member of the AAPA Commission on the Health of the Public, and a former chair of the AAPA Students at Conference Task Force. She is currently a member of the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice PA Advisory Council. In recognition of her years of clinical excellence, leadership, and professional service, she has been awarded Distinguished Fellow status by AAPA.

She earned her Doctor of Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg, her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Pace University in New York, and her undergraduate degree in kinesiology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
Outside of her professional roles, she is a proud law enforcement wife and mother of two, balancing a meaningful career with a strong dedication to her family.

Peggy Walsh Sheryka, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA
Director/First Vice Speaker of the House

Centennial, Colorado | Term: 07/01/25 – 6/30/26
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Peggy Walsh Sheryka, MS, PA-C, is serving her fifth term on the AAPA Board of Directors, currently serving as Director/First Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates. In 2011, she served as the Student Director and President of the Student Academy. Since then, she has served in various leadership roles in the AAPA, including extensive leadership in the House of Delegates. Walsh Sheryka also served in several roles in state chapter leadership; she is a past president of the Colorado Academy of PAs and served on the board for the Texas Academy of PAs.

PA Walsh Sheryka has roots in education, completing a graduate teaching fellowship prior to entering PA school, and has served as a preceptor for many years. She is a current faculty member with the University of Colorado Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program (CHA/PA), and is the faculty mentor to the CHA/PA student association, Silver Society. PA Walsh Sheryka’s clinical background is in surgical subspecialties, and she continues to practice in plastic and reconstructive surgery with the University of Colorado.

PA Walsh Sheryka has been passionate about advocacy and building engagement in the PA profession since her time as a student. She was selected as a Paul Ambrose Scholar by the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research and served as president of her PA program student society prior to her election as Student Academy president. Seeing a need for additional support and engagement early in the PA career, Walsh Sheryka and other former Student Academy leaders established the Society for Early Career PAs. She continues to advocate for student involvement and has been a legislative advocate at the state and federal levels. She is intentional in engaging PAs and PA students in leadership and the advocacy process. As someone who was mentored by great leaders throughout her career, Walsh Sheryka hopes to inspire the next generation of PAs who will impact their communities, patients, and healthcare as a whole.

PA Walsh Sheryka earned her Bachelor of Science in health and exercise science and Master of Science in food science and human nutrition from Colorado State University. She completed her Master of Science in PA Studies from Baylor College of Medicine.

Daniel Coll, MBA, MHS,PA-C, DFAAPA
Director-at-Large

Truckee, California | Term: 07/01/25 – 6/30/27
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Dan Coll is a physician associate with a focus in orthopaedics for over 20 years. For 11 years, he was the inpatient coordinator then Director of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at Tahoe Forest Hospital. There, he built a surgical PA staffing program, and assisted with the transition and integration of the orthopaedic practice. Tahoe Forest is a Critical Access Community Hospital in North Lake Tahoe, California that provides acute and elective care to local residents and visitors to local ski resorts, lakes, and mountains. Prior to Tahoe Forest, Dan was the first inpatient orthopaedic trauma PA for Northern Nevada/Reno’s Level II Renown Regional Medical Center for over nine years.

Dan received his undergraduate Bachelor of Science at UC Davis, his PA certification at Western University of Health Sciences, and his Master of Health Sciences at Pacific University. He completed his MBA in health administration at CU Denver, and the AAPA Center For Healthcare Leadership and Management certificate program at the Northeastern University. He recently completed his International Coaching Federation professional coach training and is now pursuing his certification with a focus on healthcare professional coaching.

Dan has papers in several orthopaedic journals, including the Journal Of Bone and Joint Surgery, Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, Journal of Arthroplasty, and American Journal of Orthopaedics. Dan currently serves on the AAPA Commission of Government Relations and Practice Advancement. Dan completed two terms as the AAPA Medical Liaison to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery. He previously served as the AAPA Representative to the National Quality Forum Rural Health Workgroup.

Dan is committed to the education of PAs in orthopaedics, especially acute traumatic musculoskeletal care. He is community faculty to his local PA training program at the University of Nevada Reno. He has been a regular speaker and instructor and course director for the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, the Foundation for Orthopaedic Research & Education, the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery (AAOS) and Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery.

He is an active member of AAPA, AAOS, Physician Assistants in Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Trauma Association, and his state academies of Nevada and California.

Leslie Clayton, DMSc , PA-C, DFAAPA
Vice President and Speaker of the House of Delegates

Maple Grove, Minnesota | Term: 07/01/25 – 6/30/26
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Leslie Clayton is Vice President and Speaker of the House. She is serving her seventh term on the AAPA Board of Directors, building on her extensive record of service to the Academy. Beginning her leadership career in the Student Academy’s Assembly of Representatives, she has since held progressive leadership roles in the House of Delegates: representing the Minnesota Academy of PAs, on the Standing Rules Committee, and leading multiple Reference Committees. She also represented the Academy on important policy issues by serving as a member of the PA Full Practice Authority Task Force and representing AAPA on the National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient-Centered Medical Home. Her leadership career also extends to multiple constituent organizations, where she served in multiple leadership roles, including president and legislative chair of the Minnesota chapter.

Leslie Clayton is a physician assistant and is the Program Director for Practice Advanced Practice Access and Efficiency for Fairview Health in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has been a PA for over 25 years, most of that time in primary care experience, specializing in preventative care and chronic disease management. PA Clayton has been involved in medical education for over 15 years and has educated PAs, NPs and medical students, both clinically and as a lecturer. She currently serves on the board of directors for the American Academy of Physician Associates and has been awarded Distinguished Fellow Status from AAPA in recognition of her many years of quality medical practice, leadership roles, and professional accomplishments. She is also adjunct faculty at Saint Catherine University Master of PA Studies program, where she has taught since 2014, and is a guest lecturer at other Minnesota PA programs throughout the year.

PA Clayton is a fierce advocate for improvement of the practice capacity of PAs. As the Minnesota Academy of PAs Legislative Co-Chair, she was the lead advocate and writer of the recently passed PA Practice Modernization Act, which removed supervision and delegation of scope of practice from PA practice regulations in the state of Minnesota. This progressive legislation was the result of PA Clayton’s leadership of legislative efforts, and her personal diligence in handling all legislative meetings and lobbyist management over the last four years.

During her career, PA Clayton has worked closely with NPs, often representing both the NP and PA professions on clinical committees and lecturing on the differences and similarities of each profession.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology at Texas A&M University and a Certificate of PA Studies from Saint Francis University (formerly Saint Francis College) in Pennsylvania. She earned her Master of PA Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a graduate certificate in Integrating High-Value Patient Care and Performance Improvement in Healthcare from Arizona State University, and recently completed a Doctorate of Medical Science degree from Rocky Mountain College in Montana.

Rebecca A. Loveless, MHS, PA-C, DFAAPA
Director-at-Large

Glendale, Missouri | Term: 07/01/25 – 6/30/27
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Rebecca Loveless joined the Board as a Director-at-Large in July 2025 and has earned the designation of AAPA Distinguished Fellow. She has served the physician associate profession within the AAPA House of Delegates, the Missouri and Mississippi Academies of PAs, and the HP/HX and Governance Review task forces.

Rebecca believes strongly in improving access to healthcare for veterans, military families, and marginalized communities. She works full-time as the director of didactic education at Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri and clinically at the Washington University School of Medicine in the department of emergency medicine. She received the COVETED Award from the department of anesthesiology in 2021 for her exemplary work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rebecca received her B.S. in biology from the University of Alabama Huntsville in 1997. She received her PA education at Quinnipiac University, receiving a M.H.S. in 2000, and earned the Service Award for her work as class president. She is currently obtaining an EdD with a focus in health professions education, with expected completion in 2026.

Rebecca finds her greatest joy in her two sons, whose presence brings happiness and fulfillment to her life. When she is not passionately advocating for PAs, she cherishes the opportunity to travel with them, exploring new places and embracing the richness of the world together.

Rachel Weinzimmer, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-EM, CPAAPA
Director/Second Vice Speaker of the House

Grand Junction, Colorado | Term: 07/01/25 – 6/30/26
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Rachel Weinzimmer, DMSc, PA-C, is serving her second term as Director/Second Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates on the AAPA Board of Directors. She began her AAPA service as a Student Delegate, has served extensively in the House for the past 12 years, and is a multiple-time past chair of the Nominating Committee. PA Weinzimmer has also served numerous roles in the Colorado Academy of PAs and is a past president.

PA Weinzimmer has practiced clinically in emergency medicine for her entire career, with most of that time spent in rural hospitals. She served as the lead Colorado AHP for her emergency medicine employer and was the only PA in an administrative role. She was awarded a Most Valuable Provider honor from her employer. PA Weinzimmer still holds multiple clinical ED appointments but found her passion in education.

After precepting for many years, PA Weinzimmer made the leap to full-time education as an assistant professor and currently serves as the Assistant Program Director and Director of Didactic Education for the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Bechtel PA Program. In 2024, she was honored with the Early Career Distinguished Faculty Award for her excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. She is passionate about supporting students and empowering them to achieve their goals. Under her guidance as the faculty advisor, the CMU PA program student society was selected as the 2023 AAPA Outstanding Student Society.

PA Weinzimmer received two Bachelor of Science degrees in chemistry and biophysics from the University of Connecticut and her Master of Science from the University of St Francis PA Program. She received her Doctorate of Medical Science in healthcare professions education from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. PA Weinzimmer also holds a CAQ in emergency medicine.

Kris Pyles-Sweet, DMSc, PA-C
Secretary-Treasurer

Florida | Term: 07/01/24 – 6/30/26
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Dr. Kris Pyles-Sweet, PA-C, is Secretary-Treasurer of the American Academy of PAs after serving as Director-at-Large for her first term. Her leadership positions include Past Chair of the Board of Trustees for the AAPA Political Action Committee. She has served on various AAPA committees, such as Government Relations and Practice Advancement, External Affairs, Internal Affairs, Governance Committee, Judicial Affairs, while participating in Family Practice Ad Hoc and PA Practice Owners Task Force.

In addition to her noteworthy and progressive contributions, including four terms of service as Vice-President and Chief Delegate in the House of Delegates for Geriatric Medicine PAs, Dr. Sweet has held diverse leadership roles. These roles encompassed serving as president and secretary-treasurer of PAs for Tomorrow, where she actively participated in the Full Practice Authority and Responsibility Task Force, contributing to the authorship of a white paper, and championing the Title Change initiative, while growing its membership.

Demonstrating her unwavering commitment to advocacy and the advancement of the PA profession, Dr. Sweet continues to contribute as a peer reviewer for esteemed journals, including JAAPA. She generously donates her time to various roles, such as scholarship, Continuing Medical Education (CME), and poster reviewer for AAPA and the PA Foundation.

At the state level, Dr. Sweet has actively participated in roles such as the membership committee with the Texas Academy of PAs and is presently engaged in the government affairs committee in North Carolina.

Beyond her leadership and advocacy pursuits, Dr. Sweet has cultivated a rich professional background, practicing in diverse specialties such as endocrine, geriatrics, and dermatology. In addition to her advocacy work, she owns a private practice. A passionate mentor, Dr. Sweet takes pleasure in guiding pre-PAs, new PAs, and individuals interested in establishing their practices.

Dr. Sweet’s academic journey includes a major in zoology at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, culminating in her attainment of a PA degree from Kettering College of Ohio. She further pursued academic excellence with a Master of Science in Education and Leadership from A.T. Still University, followed by the completion of a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree from the same institution.

Lisa M. Gables, CPA
Chief Executive Officer

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Lisa M. Gables, CPA, is an association executive with extensive experience in healthcare and aging services. She was named chief executive officer of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) in September 2020 after serving as interim CEO since June 2019.

Gables has been with AAPA since 2012, having served as chief financial officer and chief development officer from May 2012 to September 2020. In these roles she was responsible for overseeing the financial management of the organization, fostering external strategic outreach to individuals and like-minded organizations, and developing and implementing an integrated strategy to generate opportunities to provide AAPA and the PA Foundation with funding to support their missions.

From May 2012 to July 2015, Gables also served as the executive director of the PA Foundation. Prior to joining AAPA and the PA Foundation, she was the executive director of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) Foundation and the chief development and program officer of ASCP where she held similar roles. Before that Gables was the executive director of the National Adult Day Services Association, where she increased awareness of adult day services with federal regulators while managing all aspects of the association’s operations. Prior to that, she served as the chief financial officer of the National Council on Aging and vice president of finance and business development for Active Services Corporation, the nation’s largest adult day services, home care and rehabilitation network.

Gables also served as finance manager and senior financial analyst for Birmingham Baptist Medical Center and held financial positions with ReLife, Inc. and Ernst & Young. She is a certified public accountant with a degree in business administration and accounting from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to her professional roles, Gables serves in several national leadership and advisory capacities. She is a board member of the Primary Care Collaborative and a member of the National Academy of Medicine’s Leadership Consortium, where she recently joined the Digital Health and AI Action Collaborative (DHAC). She also volunteers with Fairfax County Adult Protective Services. Gables previous service includes terms as Chair of the American Society on Aging and Treasurer of the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation.