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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's strategic framework and its four strategic priorities

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.
Academy Past Presidents

2020s

  • 2025–2026Gerald StarkPhD, MSEM, CPO/L, FAAOP(D)
  • 2024–2025Susan KappCPO, LPO, FAAOP(D)
  • 2023–2024Mark HolowkaMSPO, CPO, FAAOP(D)
  • 2022–2023JoAnne L. KanasDPT, CPO
  • 2021–2022Sarah ThomasCPO, FAAOP
  • 2020–2021Jared A. HowellMS, CPO, FAAOP

2010s

  • 2019–2020Katheryn (Kate) J. AllynCPO/L, FAAOP
  • 2018–2019Leigh DavisMSPO, CPO, FAAOP
  • 2017–2018Alicia J. DavisMPA, CPO, FAAOP(D)
  • 2016–2017Richard W. MillerCO, FAAOP
  • 2015–2016M. Jason HighsmithPhD, DPT, CP, FAAOP
  • 2014–2015Phillip M. StevensMEd, CPO, FAAOP
  • 2013–2014Michelle HallCPO, FAAOP
  • 2012–2013Bruce “Mac” McClellanCPO, LPO, FISPO, FAAOP
  • 2011–2012Mark D. MullerMS, CPO, FAAOP
  • 2010–2011Scott D. CummingsPT, CPO, FAAOP

2000s

  • 2009–2010Keith M. SmithCO, LO, FAAOPP
  • 2008–2009James P. RogersCPO, FAAOP
  • 2007–2008Wendy BeattieCPO, FAAOP
  • 2006–2007Gary M. BerkeMS, CP, FAAOP
  • 2005–2006Paul E. PrusakowskiCPO, LPO, FAAOP
  • 2004–2005David F. MorettoCP, FAAOP
  • 2003–2004Donald E. KatzCO, LO, FAAOP
  • 2002–2003Frank H. BostockMBA, CO, FAAOP
  • 2001–2002Gary A. LambCO, FAAOP
  • 2000–2001Thomas V. DiBelloCO, FAAOP

1990s

  • 1999–2000Stephanie D. Langdon-BashCPO, FAAOP
  • 1998–1999William W. SchumannCPO
  • 1997–1998Robert N. Brown, Sr.CPO, FAAOP
  • 1996–1997David J. JendrzejcykCP, FAAOP
  • 1995–1996John N. BillockCPO
  • 1994–1995C. Michael SchuchCPO, FAAOP
  • 1993–1994David J. ForbesCPO, FAAOP
  • 1992–1993Thomas R. LunsfordCPO
  • 1991–1992Donald W. HolmesCPO
  • 1991Melvin L. StillsCO
  • 1990–1991Terry J. SupanCPO

1980s

  • 1989–1990John W. MichaelCPO, FAAOP
  • 1988–1989Alvin C. PikeCP
  • 1987–1988William C. NeumannCPO
  • 1986–1987David C. SchultzCPO
  • 1985–1986John N. BillockCPO
  • 1984–1985Kurt MarschallCP(E)
  • 1983–1984Wade L. BarghausenCPO
  • 1982–1983H. Richard LehneisPhD, CPO
  • 1981–1982Robert F. HayesCP
  • 1980–1981Edward P. Van HanswykCO

1970s

  • 1979–1980Michael QuigleyCPO
  • 1977–1979Siegfreid W. PaulCPO(E)
  • 1976–1977H. E. (Ted) ThranhardtCPO
  • 1975–1976Joseph M. CestaroCPO
  • 1974–1975Richard D. KochCO
  • 1973–1974Henry F. GardnerCPO
  • 1972–1973Arthur W. Guilford, Jr.CO(E)
  • 1971–1972William M. BradyCP(E)
  • 1970–1971Ralph R. SnellCPO