Board Roster and Bios
AAPA’s Board of Directors (BOD) is responsible for setting the strategic course for the organization in alignment with AAPA’s mission, vision and values. This work is manifested in the Academy’s strategic plan and operational goals. As fiduciaries, the BOD is also responsible for the Academy’s corporate actions directing the management of the organization and its financial health.
In practice, this results in a variety of actions – from the adoption and oversight of the Academy’s annual budget, to the recognition of constituency groups, to external and public outreach. The BOD’s work is supported by a number of BOD committees and volunteer Commissions and Work Groups that provide additional council and expertise.
Detailed information on the BOD’s duties can be found in the AAPA Bylaws. The BOD’s operations are governed by the BOD Policy Manual. Board members are also guided by standard governance practices and adopted shared values that are reviewed at each meeting.
Immediate Past President Jennifer M. Orozco, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
Bartlett, Illinois | Term: 07/01/23 – 6/30/24
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Jennifer M. Orozco, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA is president and chair of the American Academy of PAs. Previously, she served two terms on AAPA’s Board of Directors as Director-at-Large from 2017-2021 and four terms as a delegate in AAPA’s House of Delegates, representing the Illinois Academy of PAs. She also served three years on AAPA’s Commission on Government Relations and Practice Advancement (GRPA). Her career commitment to leadership and advocacy on behalf of the PA profession extends to her prior service in various constituent organizations, such as the Illinois Academy of PAs where she served as president. Orozco also served as a member of the PA Administrators, Managers, and Supervisors (PAAMS) Special Interest Group.
In early 2023, Orozco joined Health Management Associates (HMA) as a Principal for their Chicago division and the ‘Delivery System Redesign’ team. Prior to joining HMA, much of Orozco’s 20-year PA career had been dedicated to the administrative, clinical, and academic leadership teams at Rush University System for Health and John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago, Illinois. Orozco served in multiple leadership roles, with her most recent tenure as the director of advanced practice providers and a practicing PA in vascular surgery. In addition, she is a founding faculty member, assistant professor, and former director of clinical education for Rush University’s Department of PA Studies.
Orozco is a strong advocate for health equity and improving patients’ access to care through the modernization of the PA profession and a champion of advocacy efforts on both the state and federal levels. In addition to her previous work with GRPA, she served as legislative chair of the Illinois Academy of PAs, as a national-level advisor on the advanced practice provider workforce, and frequently lectures PA, nursing, and physician audiences on current legislative initiatives impacting the healthcare environment.
Orozco earned a Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a Master of Medical Science in PA Studies from Midwestern University, and her Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. She is the recipient of numerous awards recognizing her commitment to the PA profession and patients, a published author, public speaker, and frequent Op-Ed writer. When not working to advance the profession on behalf of patients, Orozco spends most of her free time outdoors cycling and enjoying life with her partner Kevin, and her three children, Maddux, Matias, and Belicia, in Bartlett, Illinois.
Folusho E. Ogunfiditimi, DM, MPH, PA-C, DFAAPA
Immediate Past President
Deland, Florida | Term: 07/01/24 – 6/30/25
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Folusho E. Ogunfiditimi is Immediate Past President of the American Academy of PAs. His involvement in AAPA dates back to PA school when he originally joined as a member of the Student Academy. Most recently, he served on several AAPA committees including the Title Change Advisory Council, the Commission on Research and Strategic Initiatives, and the Commission on the Health of the Public. He is a founding leader of PAs for Global Health, as well as a past president and past chief delegate of the African Heritage PA Caucus. He also served as AAPA’s representative to the AMA’s RVS Update Committee (RUC) Health Care Professional’s Advisory Committee (HC-PAC).
Ogunfiditimi has over 23 years of administrative and clinical experience in healthcare administration and urology. His experience spans both inpatient hospital administration and outpatient clinical practice management, while providing senior leadership and oversight to PAs, NPs, and physicians. He is currently the administrator of practice management for Florida Health Care Plans (FHCP). He is also adjunct faculty at Butler University’s Doctor of Medical Science program. Ogunfiditimi has strong interest in PA value, productivity, and revenue generation and is well published in national peer-reviewed journals on these topics.
Ogunfiditimi graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and earned a master’s in public health from the Medical College of Ohio. He also earned a Doctor of Management in organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix. As an American-born, Nigerian-raised healthcare provider, he brings a global experience to the leadership team of AAPA. He lives in Deland, Florida and enjoys travelling with his wife, golfing, and ending the day with a glass of wine and a good book.
Jason Prevelige, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA
President & Chair of the Board
Fairfield, Connecticut | Term: 07/01/24 – 6/30/25
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Jason Prevelige is president and chair of the board 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 has also 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 the Associate Advanced Practice Provider Leader in the Emergency Department at Trinity Health of New England’s 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 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 nine-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 serve the academy in this role during such an important time for the profession and U.S. healthcare system.
Todd Pickard, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FASCO
President-elect
Houston, Texas | Term: 07/01/24 – 6/30/25
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Todd Pickard is President-elect for the American Academy of PAs and serving his ninth 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, Austin and his Master of Medical Science from Emory University School of Medicine. 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.
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 bilingual clinical provider with over 20 years of experience. She has extensive practice experience with Latino populations, health promotion, and disparities. She is Director-at-Large for the AAPA Board of Directors and will continue to advocate for the profession and the community in this role. She has served as the AAPA Representative for the National Advisory Committee for Mi Hermana-Latina Health Champions with the Healthy Americas Foundation. Additionally, she is an appointed member of the AAPA Commission on the Health of the Public.
As a first-generation immigrant from Colombia, Gonzalez was able to see the health deficiencies in the Latino community and the language barriers that many people face. She is helping to educate clinical providers and the community about these issues across diverse populations.
Gonzalez previously served as President for PAs for Latino Health (PALH), a caucus of the American Academy of Physician Associates, and other board roles. She has also served as Clinician Champion for PERC-Med, a collaboration between UC Davis and the US Environmental Protection Agency Office, where she worked with healthcare providers on awareness of pesticide exposure for the farmworker, migrant, and low-income urban communities who are at greatest risk for this hazard. In 2024, Gonzalez was the recipient of the AAPA 2024 Diversity Award.
Gonzalez practices clinically in breast medical oncology. She has spent over 17 years making cancer history at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Gonzalez has served in other roles including endocrine oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and helped spearhead an APP peer-to-peer workgroup addressing financial barriers in healthcare with health insurance plans.
Gonzalez earned her Bachelor of Physician Assistant Studies from Touro College in 2004 and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2021. When she is not actively engaged in healthcare endeavors, she enjoys reading, salsa dancing, wine tastings, maximizing her physical activities, and socializing with friends. She can be found traveling with her twins who are also bilingual and love learning about other cultures.
Brittny Dawkins, PA-C
Student Director
Silver Spring, Maryland | Term: 07/01/24 – 6/30/25
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Brittny Dawkins (she/her/hers) joins the AAPA Board of Directors as Student Director and Student Academy President. Previously, Dawkins served as Student Academy Representative, Student Delegate in the 2023 House of Delegates and a member of the Student Academy Board of Directors as President-elect. During PA school, she also served as a PAEA Health Policy Fellow. As Student Academy President, she is excited to represent the PA student voice on a national scale.
Dawkins earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences in 2018 from Howard University in Washington, DC. She earned her Master of PA Studies degree in 2023 as part of Ithaca College’s inaugural PA cohort. Now a practicing PA, Dawkins resides in Silver Spring, Maryland where she has begun her career as a trauma surgery PA at a level 2 trauma center.
Throughout PA school, Dawkins led several initiatives to raise awareness of underrepresented groups in medicine through Project Access. She also served as a mentor for The Physician Assistants of Color, Inc. and the National Society of Black PAs to help promote the profession to more PA applicants of color. Passionate for global health equity, has studied abroad multiple times having participated in a ten-day internship shadowing orthopaedic and cardiac surgeons in Thailand and conducting research on cardiovascular disparities in Amsterdam. During the pandemic, she became a Maryland Reserve Corps volunteer to help increase the accessibility of COVID-19 testing and vaccines in her community.
Dawkins recently began her career as a trauma surgery PA at a level 2 trauma center. As a first-generation, Caribbean-American, Dawkins continues to mentor students of color and aspires to mobilize acute care clinics on the island of Jamaica. She is involved in the Maryland Academy of PAs and proudly advocates for the PA profession on Capitol Hill.
Katherine GeeBah Footracer, MS, PA-C
Director-at-Large
Altadena, California | Term: 07/01/24 – 6/30/26
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Katherine GeeBah Footracer joined the Board as a Director-at-Large in July 2024. She has served the PA profession with the Student Academy Assembly of Representatives (AOR), the House of Delegates, the New Jersey State Society of PAs, the AAPA Quality Care work group, and as a mentor to pre-PA students through AAPA’s Mentor Match program. She was elected to the NCCPA Board of Directors as a PA Director-at-Large in January 2016, where she served as Treasurer and Board Chair.
She believes that providing quality care to all is an issue of social justice and that healthcare can change people’s lives. She practices full-time in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, where she precepts PA and medical students, serves on the Peer Review and Emergency Disaster Preparedness Committees, and was the Lead Clinician for the Covid-like Illness Outpatient Drive-Up Clinic.
Footracer is a member of the Navajo Nation and early in the COVID-19 pandemic, she volunteered in the Influenza-like Illness Clinic with Indian Health Services in Kayenta, Arizona. Before joining USC’s Family Medicine Department, she practiced in urgent care and internal medicine.
She has published in several professional peer-reviewed journals, including JAAPA, and was a recipient of the AAPA PAragon Publishing Award in 2011. She is a peer-reviewer for JAAPA and a research poster reviewer for AAPA’s ImPAct Conference. Footracer is a member of the AAPA LBGT PA Caucus.
Footracer received her B.A. with a double major in psychology and dance from Scripps College, where she was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society. She received her M.S. in PA Studies from Seton Hall University, where she received the Outstanding Research Award and the Academic Achievement Award.
Prior to becoming a PA, Footracer managed not-for-profit organizations in Los Angeles where she gained experience in organizational management, corporate governance, finance, marketing, and fundraising. In her spare time, she volunteers for the Los Angeles County Disaster Health Volunteers Surge Unit and Eaton Canyon Nature Center as a docent naturalist.
Ashton Ogle, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C
Director-at-Large
Georgetown, Kentucky | Term: 07/01/23 – 6/30/25
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Dr. Ashton Craig Ogle, PA-C serves as Director-at-Large on the AAPA Board of Directors. Prior to joining the Board, Ogle served on the AAPA Student Board of Directors as the Northeast Regional Director and worked closely with the Connecticut Academy of Physician Associates (ConnAPA) as a student representative. Most recently, Dr. Ogle served as Director-at-Large for ConnAPA where she co-chaired the Conference and Education Committee and the Student Engagement Committee from 2021-2023. She also participated in an ad hoc group that facilitated title change for the organization.
Ogle began her PA career as an emergency medicine PA in Waterbury, Connecticut working for Trinity Health of New England. She also worked part-time in plastic surgery and was an adjunct instructor at her PA alma mater teaching Patient Assessment and Clinical Skills and Procedures. Recently, Ogle moved to Kentucky to be closer to family and now works for the University of Kentucky in the Chandler Emergency Department, primarily in pediatric emergency medicine.
Ogle received her undergraduate degree from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky and attended PA school at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut where she received the Excellence in Leadership Award, and was inducted into the Pi Alpha Honor Society. She received her Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 2020 and completed her doctoral degree at the University of the Pacific in Sacramento, CA.
Dr. Ogle’s passions include investing in the next generation of PAs by promoting PA student engagement and leadership, advocating for the profession, participating in medical missions, and advocating for equal and equitable access to healthcare for all patients. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, traveling, working out, boating, and running.
Peggy Walsh Sheryka, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA
Director/First Vice Speaker of the House
Denver, Colorado | Term: 07/01/24 – 6/30/25
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Peggy Walsh Sheryka, MS, PA-C, is serving her fourth term on the AAPA Board of Directors. 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 House of Delegates. Walsh Sheryka also served on state chapter boards in Colorado and Texas.
PA Walsh Sheryka has practiced clinically in surgical specialties for the past 13 years, primarily in plastic and reconstructive surgery. She is a lead APP with the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with the University of Colorado. Her current role primarily serves adult patients undergoing oncologic and traumatic reconstruction and gender affirming care. PA Walsh Sheryka has roots in education, completing a graduate teaching fellowship prior to entering PA school, and continues teaching as a clinical preceptor and lecturer for 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.
Eric P. Martinez, MPAS, PA-C, CAQ-EM, DFAAPA
Director-at-Large
Houston, Texas | Term: 07/01/23 – 6/30/25
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Eric P. Martinez, MPAS, PA-C, is excited to continue serving as director-at-large on the AAPA Board of Directors. He strives to be a devout advocate and brand ambassador as the profession continues to mature. He is optimistic about the future of the PA profession, knowing that many of the challenges we face are signs of growth and maturity.
Martinez brings a history of leadership and service to the profession at the state and national level. In addition to his service on AAPA’s Board of Directors, he has served as student director, legislative chair, delegate, and president of the Texas Academy of PAs (TAPA).
Martinez practices emergency medicine at a leading level-one trauma center in Houston, Texas. He is currently the director of the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) Emergency Medicine PA Fellowship program and is the clerkship coordinator for the BCM PA students rotating through the emergency department. Martinez serves on several departmental and hospital committees and oversees the recruitment and onboarding of PA and NP faculty.
Fortunate to have had several mentors who helped shape his career, Martinez is passionate about mentoring the new generation of PA clinicians and leaders. He participates in the Texas Gulf Coast Regional PA Society, and the Texas A&M Mentorship Program mentoring pre-PA and PA students.
Martinez received a Bachelor of Science in biology from Texas A&M University and a Master of PA Studies from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He completed a post-graduate fellowship in emergency medicine at BCM in 2012 and holds a certificate of added qualification (CAQ) in emergency medicine and is currently enrolled in the DMS program at Shenandoah University.
In 2019, his PA school Alma inducted him into the Phi Alpha honors society for his contributions to the PA profession. In 2023, BCM awarded him the Carl Fasser Visionary Leadership Award.
Leslie Clayton, DMSc , PA-C, DFAAPA
Vice President and Speaker of the House of Delegates
Maple Grove, Minnesota | Term: 07/01/24 – 6/30/25
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Leslie Clayton is Vice President and Speaker of the House. She is serving her sixth 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.
Deanna Bridge Najera, MPAS, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA
Director-at-Large
Mount Airy, Maryland | Term: 07/01/23 – 6/30/25
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Deanna Bridge Najera is serving her second term on the AAPA Board of Directors as Director-at-Large. She previously served AAPA as the chair of the Commission on the Health of the Public, and as a member of the Health Disparities Workgroup. She has also represented Maryland in the AAPA House of Delegates and served as president of the Maryland Academy of PAs from 2019-2020.
Clinically, PA Najera works part-time at a suburban emergency department where she also assists on the system-wide emergency medicine PA advisory council as a legislative and engagement advisor, and serves on the hospital Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee. At a local health department, she works primarily in the reproductive health program while working with the deputy health officer on clinical and administrative issues. She also provides some limited outpatient psychiatric services.
With these varied roles, PA Najera has gained an understanding of the complexities of the healthcare and mental health systems, and has seen the various barriers that the public encounters in accessing those systems. PA Najera has also been a regular speaker on a variety of topics at AAPA national conferences and state PA conferences. She has lectured for state and national mental health organizations and has been a guest speaker for PA and mental health graduate programs.
PA Najera attended the University of Maryland, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology and neurobiology; Chatham University, earning a master’s degree in PA studies; and Shippensburg University, earning a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. She received her CAQ in psychiatry in 2018 and her CAQ in emergency medicine in 2022.
Rachel Weinzimmer, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-EM, CPAAPA
Director/Second Vice Speaker of the House
Grand Junction, Colorado | Term: 07/01/24 – 6/30/25
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Rachel Weinzimmer, DMSc, PA-C, is serving her first 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
Morganton, North Carolina | Term: 07/01/24 – 6/30/25
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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
Contact Lisa | Biography (PDF)
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 career in aging and health services, Gables serves in several leadership roles, including on the board of the Primary Care Collaborative and as the past Chair of the American Society on Aging. She is also the past treasurer of the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation and currently serves as a volunteer with the Fairfax County Adult Protective Services Agency.
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