Thomas Stautzenbach, MA, MBA, CAE, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, has announced his plans to step down from his position effective June 30, 2024, after 19 years of dedicated service. Mr. Stautzenbach came to AAPM&R in 2005 with considerable experience in healthcare consulting and association leadership.
During his AAPM&R tenure, Mr. Stautzenbach orchestrated a series of strategic interventions resulting in dramatic successes for the Academy and the specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Under his expert leadership, strategic counsel and guidance, the Academy realized substantial growth in recognition and stature, impact, portfolio of activities, membership and resources.
His depth of knowledge of physiatry’s immense value to healthcare guided the development of the Academy’s vision for the specialty along with implementation of strategic plans that elevated awareness of PM&R among key stakeholders throughout the country. He intentionally and mindfully strengthened governance partnerships, Board of Governors cohesion, volunteer relationships and staff development necessary to press the specialty and Academy forward as the landscape of medicine rapidly evolved.
Steven Flanagan, MD, President of the AAPM&R Board of Governors, shares that "Mr. Stautzenbach’s nearly two decades of service as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer speaks volumes of his commitment to the Academy, its members and the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. The Board of Governors, Academy staff and 10,000+ members thank him for his selfless dedication to the advancement of physiatry and the tremendous successes achieved. Tom has been a talented and tireless champion of physiatry and a trusted partner and colleague for which we will forever be indebted. We are also grateful for the advanced notice of his departure, providing the Board of Governors the necessary time to orchestrate a smooth transition. Please join us in wishing him continued success, fulfillment and happiness as he enters a new life phase."
The AAPM&R Board of Governors has convened a Search Committee and hired the firm Korn Ferry to assist in securing the most qualified new CEO-executive director and effecting a smooth transition. If you have any questions about the transition, please reach out to the AAPM&R Board of Governors at boardofgovernors@aapmr.org.