Membership Advocacy Council

Chapters Committee

Collaborative on Inclusive Action and Engagement

Chair:

Vari McPherson, CPO, FAAOP

The Chapters Committee facilitates Academy relationships with and among its chapters. Key objectives include the following.

• Create and maintain an ongoing relationship between the Academy and its chapters.
• Standardize policies and terms of office and ensure chapters comply with Academy bylaws and policies.
• Promote relationships among chapters.
• Assist in the formation of new chapters.
• Assist chapters in defining their roles.

Co-Chair:

Juan Cave, MSPO, CPO

Co-Chair:

Kiley Armstrong, MS, MPO,CPO

The Collaborative on Inclusive Action and Engagement breaks down barriers of access and support faced by underrepresented groups and marginalized communities for the benefit of the entire O&P profession. The Collaborative on Inclusive Action and Engagement works to offer learning tools and support that encourage and engage members of the profession to co-create safe spaces for each person operating within the profession. The Collaborative on Inclusive Action and Engagement aims to spearhead conversations and launch initiatives within The Academy around issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Fellow Committee

Hospital-Based Practice Committee

Chair:

Keith Smith, CO/LO FAAOP

The Fellow of the Academy Committee works to induct, engage, and celebrate the commitment that Fellows of the Academy have demonstrated to the profession. The committee works to find creative ways to engage Fellows of the Academy with Academy projects, networking events, and educational outreach.

Co-Chair: 

Sean Zeller, CPO

Co-Chair:

Jeffrey Wensman, CPO

The primary goal of the Academy Hospital-Based Practice Committee is to facilitate communication among O&P Practices operating as part of a larger institutional setting. The group discusses common issues involving care in these conditions, provides recommendations for standardizing and enhancing resident experience, and explores potential research topics. The Hospital-Based Practice Committee hosts a quarterly forum for Student and Resident/Candidate Academy members.

Independent Practice Committee

Liaison Committee

Chair: 

Mac McClellan, CPO/L, FISPO, FAAOP(D)

The primary goal of the Academy Independent Practice Committee is to facilitate communication among independent O&P practices. The group discusses common issues involving care in these settings. 

Chair: 

Vacant

The Academy promotes the development of relationships to maintain communications with other healthcare-related organizations. The basis for liaison relationships may include the following.

• Developing plans for reciprocating presenters at respective meetings
• Addressing terminology and practice issues of common concern
• Pursuing areas of common ground on healthcare trends and legislative issues

Rising Professionals Committee

Co-Chair:

Julia Pines, CO & Resident

Co-Chair:

Denise Hull, CPO

The Rising Professionals Committee facilitates opportunities for leadership and growth for O&P students and residents and newly certified professionals. The committee works to centralize efforts to enhance clinical applications, increase professional advocacy, establish opportunities for mentoring, create network resources, and address issues paramount for developing a confident, knowledgeable practitioner.