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Mission & History

Vision Statement

Driving professional excellence for quality O&P care.

Mission Statement

The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists is dedicated to promoting professionalism and advancing the standards of patient care through education, literature, research, advocacy, and collaboration.

History

Founded in 1970, the Academy represents certified and state-licensed practitioners, assistants, technicians, fitters, and others affiliated with the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) profession—supporting members in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism.

Advancing the Academy. Strengthening the Profession.

The Academy's strategic framework guides our work to advance the science and practice of orthotics and prosthetics while strengthening the value we deliver to members and the profession. Built around four strategic priorities, it focuses our efforts on enhancing member value, supporting O&P professionals, modernizing governance, and serving as the trusted O&P resource for the broader healthcare community.

The Academy is the premier source of learning, knowledge, and research for O&P—providing professional resources, continuing education, and advocacy to elevate clinical skill and public awareness.

For further information about the Academy, visit the Academy History Page.
  • 2024–2025Susan Kapp, CPO, LPO, FAAOP(D)
  • 2023–2024Mark Holowka, MSPO, CPO, FAAOP(D)
  • 2022–2023JoAnne L. Kanas, DPT, CPO
  • 2021–2022Sarah Thomas, CPO, FAAOP
  • 2020–2021Jared A. Howell, MS, CPO, FAAOP
  • 2019–2020Katheryn (Kate) J. Allyn, CPO/L, FAAOP
  • 2018–2019Leigh Davis, MSPO, CPO, FAAOP
  • 2017–2018Alicia J. Davis, MPA, CPO, FAAOP(D)
  • 2016–2017Richard W. Miller, CO, FAAOP
  • 2015–2016M. Jason Highsmith, PhD, DPT, CP, FAAOP
  • 2014–2015Phillip M. Stevens, MEd, CPO, FAAOP
  • 2013–2014Michelle Hall, CPO, FAAOP
  • 2012–2013Bruce “Mac” McClellan, CPO, LPO, FISPO, FAAOP
  • 2011–2012Mark D. Muller, MS, CPO, FAAOP
  • 2010–2011Scott D. Cummings, PT, CPO, FAAOP
  • 2009–2010Keith M. Smith, CO, LO, FAAOPP
  • 2008–2009James P. Rogers, CPO, FAAOP
  • 2007–2008Wendy Beattie, CPO, FAAOP
  • 2006–2007Gary M. Berke, MS, CP, FAAOP
  • 2005–2006Paul E. Prusakowski, CPO, LPO, FAAOP
  • 2004–2005David F. Moretto, CP, FAAOP
  • 2003–2004Donald E. Katz, CO, LO, FAAOP
  • 2002–2003Frank H. Bostock, MBA, CO, FAAOP
  • 2001–2002Gary A. Lamb, CO, FAAOP
  • 2000–2001Thomas V. DiBello, CO, FAAOP
  • 1999–2000Stephanie D. Langdon-Bash, CPO, FAAOP
  • 1998–1999William W. Schumann, CPO
  • 1997–1998Robert N. Brown, Sr., CPO, FAAOP
  • 1996–1997David J. Jendrzejcyk, CP, FAAOP
  • 1995–1996John N. Billock, CPO
  • 1994–1995C. Michael Schuch, CPO, FAAOP
  • 1993–1994David J. Forbes, CPO, FAAOP
  • 1992–1993Thomas R. Lunsford, CPO
  • 1991–1992Donald W. Holmes, CPO
  • 1991Melvin L. Stills, CO
  • 1990–1991Terry J. Supan, CPO
  • 1989–1990John W. Michael, CPO, FAAOP
  • 1988–1989Alvin C. Pike, CP
  • 1987–1988William C. Neumann, CPO
  • 1986–1987David C. Schultz, CPO
  • 1985–1986John N. Billock, CPO
  • 1984–1985Kurt Marschall, CP(E)
  • 1983–1984Wade L. Barghausen, CPO
  • 1982–1983H. Richard Lehneis, PhD, CPO
  • 1981–1982Robert F. Hayes, CP
  • 1980–1981Edward P. Van Hanswyk, CO
  • 1979–1980Michael Quigley, CPO
  • 1977–1979Siegfreid W. Paul, CPO(E)
  • 1976–1977H. E. (Ted) Thranhardt, CPO
  • 1975–1976Joseph M. Cestaro, CPO
  • 1974–1975Richard D. Koch, CO
  • 1973–1974Henry F. Gardner, CPO
  • 1972–1973Arthur W. Guilford, Jr., CO(E)
  • 1971–1972William M. Brady, CP(E)
  • 1970–1971Ralph R. Snell, CPO