Board of Governors

About Us

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Specialty Leadership: Academy Board of Governors

The Academy Board of Governors leads our PM&R BOLD mission and vision. These dedicated leaders set the strategic direction for the Academy and its initiatives to transform the specialty and to position members for success.

President

D.J. Kennedy, MD, FAAPMR

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Past President

Steven R. Flanagan, MD, FAAPMR

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President-Elect

Scott R. Laker, MD, FAAPMR

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Vice President

John C. Cianca, MD, FAAPMR

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Secretary

Amy J. Houtrow, MD, PhD, MPH, FAAPMR

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Treasurer

Atul T. Patel, MD, MHSA, FAAPMR

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Members-at-Large

Marlis Gonzalez-Fernandez, MD, PhD, FAAPMR

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Nneka L. Ifejika, MD, MPH, FAAPMR

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Lisa A. Merritt, MD, FAAPMR

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Jose L. Vargas, MD, FAAPMR

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Strategic Coordinating Committee Chairs

Medical Education

Rachel Brakke Holman, MD, FAAPMR

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Health Policy, Practice and Advocacy

Susan Lee Hubbell, MD, FAAPMR

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Quality and Research

James A. Sliwa, DO, FAAPMR

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Inclusion and Engagement

Carla P. Watson, MD, FAAPMR

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Specialty Brand Expansion

Jonathan H. Whiteson, MD, FAAPMR

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Ex-Officio Liaisons to the Board of Governors

PM&R Journal Editor-in-Chief

Janna L. Friedly, MD, FAAPMR

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Physiatrist-in-Training Council

Alpha T. Anders, MD

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AAPM&R Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer

Thomas E. Stautzenbach, MA, MBA, CAE

Learn more about Mr. Stautzenbach

More from the Board of Governors

Virtual Town Halls

To give you an opportunity to connect with the AAPM&R Board of Governors, we are hosting virtual town halls. Check back for more information on our upcoming meetings and view recordings on past virtual town halls.

Past Virtual Town Halls

July 12, 2022 Virtual Town Hall
- During this virtual town hall, the Board discussed how we can work together to create sustainable change to help move our local and national communities forward amid these times of continued violence against innocent individuals of all backgrounds.
April 12, 2022 Virtual Town Hall
- During this virtual town hall, the Board discussed PASC Learning Collaborative, advocacy successes, media opportunities, and answered any questions from attendees.
October 26, 2021 #AAPMR21 Virtual Town Hall
- During this virtual town hall, the Board discussed the upcoming 2021 Annual Assembly, including the Business Meeting and any questions from attendees.
July 27, 2021 Members-In-Training Virtual Town Hall
- During this virtual town hall, the Board connected with Members-In-Training to discuss how they can engage with the specialty, what they could do to help move PM&R forward and more.
April 27, 2021 Virtual Town Hall
- During this virtual town hall, the Board discussed our priority initiatives, including our Long COVID Call to Action, and listened to member concerns, challenges and needs.
January 26, 2021 Virtual Town Hall
- During this virtual town hall, the Board discussed concerns and needs regarding member experiences with COVID-19 long-hauler patients.
May 12, 2020 Virtual Town Hall
- During this inpatient-focused virtual town hall, the Board provided an update on the Academy's response to the FY 2021 CMS IRF Proposed Rule
June 9 2020 Virtual Town Hall
- During this outpatient-focused virtual town hall, the Board shared updates on how to secure PPE, our guide to re-opening, and more.