Board Roster and Bios

President Jennifer M. Orozco, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Bartlett, Illinois | Term: 07/01/22 – 6/30/23
Contact Jenn

Jennifer M. Orozco, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA is president and chair of the American Academy of PAs. Previously, she served two terms on AAPA’s Board of Directors as Director-at-Large from 2017-2021 and four terms as a delegate in AAPA’s House of Delegates, representing the Illinois Academy of PAs. She also served three years on AAPA’s Commission on Government Relations and Practice Advancement (GRPA). Her career commitment to leadership and advocacy on behalf of the PA profession extends to her prior service in various constituent organizations, such as the Illinois Academy of PAs where she served as president. Orozco also served as a member of the PA Administrators, Managers, and Supervisors (PAAMS) Special Interest Group.

In early 2023, Orozco joined Health Management Associates (HMA) as a Principal for their Chicago division and the ‘Delivery System Redesign’ team. Prior to joining HMA, much of Orozco’s 20-year PA career had been dedicated to the administrative, clinical, and academic leadership teams at Rush University System for Health and John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in Chicago, Illinois. Orozco served in multiple leadership roles, with her most recent tenure as the director of advanced practice providers and a practicing PA in vascular surgery. In addition, she is a founding faculty member, assistant professor, and former director of clinical education for Rush University’s Department of PA Studies.

Orozco is a strong advocate for health equity and improving patients’ access to care through the modernization of the PA profession and a champion of advocacy efforts on both the state and federal levels. In addition to her previous work with GRPA, she served as legislative chair of the Illinois Academy of PAs, as a national-level advisor on the advanced practice provider workforce, and frequently lectures PA, nursing, and physician audiences on current legislative initiatives impacting the healthcare environment.

Orozco earned a Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a Master of Medical Science in PA Studies from Midwestern University, and her Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. She is the recipient of numerous awards recognizing her commitment to the PA profession and patients, a published author, public speaker, and frequent Op-Ed writer. When not working to advance the profession on behalf of patients, Orozco spends most of her free time outdoors cycling and enjoying life with her partner Kevin, and her three children, Maddux, Matias, and Belicia, in Bartlett, Illinois.

President-elect Folusho E. Ogunfiditimi, DM, MPH, PA-C, DFAAPA

Deland, Florida | Term: 07/01/22 – 6/30/23
Contact Folusho

Folusho E. Ogunfiditimi is president-elect of the American Academy of PAs. His involvement in AAPA dates back to PA school when he originally joined as a member of the Student Academy. Most recently, he served on several AAPA committees including the Title Change Advisory Council, the Commission on Research and Strategic Initiatives, and the Commission on the Health of the Public. He is a founding leader of PAs for Global Health, as well as a past president and past chief delegate of the African Heritage PA Caucus. He also served as AAPA’s representative to the AMA’s RVS Update Committee (RUC) Health Care Professional’s Advisory Committee (HC-PAC).

Ogunfiditimi has 23 years of administrative and clinical experience in healthcare administration and urology. His experience spans both inpatient hospital administration and outpatient clinical practice management, while providing senior leadership and oversight to PAs, NPs, and physicians. He is currently the administrator of practice management for Florida Health Care Plans (FHCP). He is also adjunct faculty at Butler University’s Doctor of Medical Science program. Ogunfiditimi has strong interest in PA value, productivity, and revenue generation and is well published in national peer-reviewed journals on these topics.

Ogunfiditimi graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and earned a master’s in public health from the Medical College of Ohio. He also earned a Doctor of Management in organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix. As an American-born, Nigerian-raised healthcare provider, he brings a global experience to the leadership team of AAPA. He lives in Deland, Florida and enjoys travelling with his wife, golfing, and ending the day with a glass of wine and a good book.

Immediate Past President Beth R. Smolko, DMSc, PA-C

New York City, New York | Term: 07/01/22 – 6/30/23
Contact Beth

Dr. Beth Smolko is the immediate past president of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) representing over 150,000 PAs nationally. She has served on AAPA’s Board of Directors since 2016, following several years of service and leadership in AAPA’s House of Delegates. She also served in multiple leadership positions and as president of the Association of Family Practice PAs (AFPPA). She has served as the PA profession representative to national discussions on COVID vaccine strategy, behavioral health and substance use disorder priorities and consultations with national medical organizations, non-profits, government committees and the White House. She is also a member of the Medscape steering committee for Advances in Prevention and Management of COVID-19.

She currently serves as Associate Corporate Medical Director for JPMorgan Chase, one of the top Fortune 50 companies in the world. She is based in New York City and is responsible for the 27 Health & Wellness Centers, providing oversight and service enhancements, such as telemedicine. She also provides direction and strategic planning for Wellness Center operations & processes, clinical services, and support of Global Benefits initiatives.

Dr. Smolko is also a nationally recognized speaker and author on topics in telemedicine including legislative barriers and access to care issues. She was the Lead Clinical Advisor and Telemedicine Lead for Wellness Center Operations for Lockheed Martin, the largest defense contractor in the world. She authored Lockheed’s telemedicine white paper used by the corporation to address access-to-care for employees and detailed the financial benefits to the corporation when employees have access to the right care, at the right time, in the right setting.

She was the founding Program Director and Department Chair for Frostburg State University’s PA Medicine Program in rural western Maryland. The program was created to increase access to healthcare in Appalachia and medically underserved areas across the country. She worked to create a state-wide telemedicine curriculum for PA programs across Maryland. She was also Chair of the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) – Maryland West. She also is a board member for the Rocky Vista University Board of Trustees.

Smolko’s passion for accessible, effective, and compassionate patient care led her to found a nonprofit called The Heart of Medicine, dedicated to delivering primary care to poor and underserved communities. As President, she coordinates volunteer medical trips for healthcare professionals, including leading teams of volunteers to deliver healthcare in mobile clinics and non-traditional healthcare settings in Haiti.

Smolko earned a BA in Biology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a Master of Medical Science in PA Studies from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona and a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Lynchburg College. She has also earned Six Sigma Greenbelt certification and is a nationally certified health coach (NSHC).

Vice President and Speaker of the House Todd Pickard, MMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FASCO

Houston, Texas | Term: 07/01/22 – 6/30/23
Contact Todd

Todd Pickard is serving his seventh term on the AAPA Board of Directors and second term as Speaker of the House of Delegates, building on his 15-plus years of service in the House of Delegates representing the Association of PAs in Oncology (APAO) and the Texas Academy of PAs. He has also served as the president and on leadership boards of both constituent organizations.

Specializing in oncology, PA Pickard has spent two decades fighting cancer at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Joining the MD Anderson team as a PA in the department of Urology, PA Pickard has served in other roles including clinical cancer prevention, head and neck medical oncology, lymphoma, and administrative leadership. He currently serves as executive director of advanced practice, while continuing to practice in the urology department.

Inquisitive by nature, PA Pickard has spent a lifetime asking questions and seeking answers. As the PA always asking “how” or “why,” he was often tasked with finding answers when none existed or solutions when the answers weren’t good enough. PA Pickard’s reputation as a problem solver goes well beyond his work at MD Anderson, and extends to his work as a policy maker, legislative advocate, and mentor. Often reflecting on the challenges he’s faced as a PA and administrator, he enjoys being a resource for others and seeing his colleagues empowered.

His leadership journey began by volunteering to solve operational issues early in his career as a clinical PA. When Texas approved prescriptive authority for PAs, PA Pickard volunteered to help design the implementation process for his institution. As a result of these experiences, he was given the opportunity to create, and then interview for, the first PA administrative position in the newly-designated Office of PA Programs at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Advocacy for PAs has lead him to other opportunities to serve. PA Pickard was the legislative chair for the Texas Academy of PAs. During his tenure he strengthened the inclusion of PA trainees and pre-PA students in legislative activity. One of his accomplishments was the elimination of PA supervision limits in Texas.

PA Pickard’s passion for oncology practice and increasing the recognition of PAs for their clinical roles in the care of patients with cancer, led him to help create and then serve as the AAPA/APAO Medical Liaison to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, where he worked with others to secure a stronger voice for PAs in Oncology.

PA Pickard earned his Bachelor of Arts in biology from the University of Texas, Austin and his Master of Medical Science from Emory University School of Medicine. A believer in life-long learning, he has also acquired a graduate certificate in health care management from Rice University, and completed MD Anderson certificate programs in administrative leadership and clinical safety and effectiveness. He has earned the designation of AAPA Distinguished Fellow.

Director-at-Large, David J. Bunnell, MSHS, PA-C, DFAAPA

Ellicott City, Maryland | Term: 07/01/22 – 6/30/24
Contact David

David J. Bunnell is serving his first term on the AAPA Board of Directors as Director-at-Large. He previously served as chair of both the Governance Commission and Research and Strategic Initiatives Commission and was a member of the Optimal Team Practice Task Force. He was chief delegate representing the Association of PAs in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (APACVS) in the AAPA House of Delegates from 2011-2021. He also served as president of APACVS, where he led with a team that realized significant growth for the association.

He is currently the associate director at the Frostburg State University Department of PA Medicine which is dedicated to preparing PAs to serve rural and medically underserved patients in Maryland and beyond. His work with this program has seen success in improving patient access in these communities.

PA Bunnell’s clinical experience is in cardiac electrophysiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and surgical critical care. Prior to becoming a PA, he was a paramedic, organ recovery coordinator, and research coordinator. He has served as Lead Medical Center PA and chair of the PA Professional Standards Board at the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center where he was privileged to serve veterans in the D.C. region.

He has interests in competency based medical education, social determinants of health, and rural health. He serves in PA leadership and advocacy roles to communicate the profession’s value to patients and healthcare systems as well as to encourage the PA community to continue to do amazing things.

Bunnell earned a paramedic certificate from the Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, a Bachelor of Science from MCP-Hahnemann University, and a Master of Science in Health Sciences from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences for his PA education. He was an academic fellow at the PA Leadership and Learning Academy at the University of Maryland, Baltimore studying curricular design where his team produced a telehealth curriculum for PA education. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in health professions education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Student Director, Natalie Crump, MS, PA-C

Aurora, Colorado | Term: 07/01/22 – 6/30/23
Contact Natalie

Natalie Crump is a recent graduate of Rocky Vista University (RVU) where she served as a mentor to pre-health high school students through the RVU MC^2 Mentorship Program and received the Program Director’s Award for embodying the mission and vision of the program through her scholastic achievement and leadership.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Colorado Denver and a Master of Science in medical sciences from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. Prior to PA school, Crump served as a senior research assistant and patient navigator for the University of Colorado Fertility Preservation Program where she led research protocols to help pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients preserve gonadal tissue and/or gametes prior to fertility harming medical treatment. Observing the inequity between patients who were able to afford fertility preservation treatments and those who were not, Crump created an initiative to offset the cost of treatments for patients in need, “The Freedom to Hope- A Campaign for Fertility Preservation.”

While in PA school, Crump became a passionate advocate for culturally competent training and diversity within the PA profession. She believes that healthcare providers should reflect the diversity of the patients they serve and feels strongly that PAs are well positioned to lead the charge in healthcare reform to a place of inclusivity, increased cultural sensitivity, and enhanced delivery of care.

Crump lives in Colorado with her husband and three children. When not practicing medicine she enjoys photography, spending time with family, traveling, and being a fierce sideline cheerleader at her children’s sporting events. She currently practices as a PA in women’s health.

Secretary-Treasurer Lauren G. Dobbs, MMS, PA-C

Aledo, TX | Term: 07/01/22 – 6/30/24
Contact Lauren

Director-at-Large, Desmond Watt, MMS, PAC

Glen Elyn, Illinois | Term: 07/01/21 – 6/30/23
Contact Desmond

Desmond Watt joined the AAPA Board of Directors as Director-at-Large in 2021. Previously, he chaired the AAPA ad hoc committee on Virtual Health/Telemedicine. He has served as chief delegate to the House of Delegates from the Illinois Academy of PAs (IAPA). He also served as a regional director on the Student Academy Board of Directors.

Watt has practiced for over ten years in primary care and internal medicine, and currently serves as Medical Director for Senior Health Virtual Care at One Medical, an independent national primary care provider. As a medical director, his practice includes leading clinical teams of PAs, NPs and physicians, as well as development and implementation of virtual care services for senior health value based care.

Watt has prioritized PA advocacy throughout his career, with a focus in the area of telemedicine in recent years. He has increased awareness of PA legislative challenges and worked to improve PA opportunities in this rapidly growing healthcare space. In 2018, Watt co-founded the AAPA special interest group PAs in Virtual Medicine and Telemedicine (PAVMT), serving as its first executive board president and participating on multiple committees. He is also a regular speaker on the topic of telemedicine and telehealth implementation.

Watt earned a Bachelor of Science in molecular and cellular biology at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Medical Sciences in PA Studies from Midwestern University. He lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters, and enjoys live music, camping, and hiking.

Director/Second Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates, Peggy Walsh Sheryka, MS, PA-C

Denver, Colorado | Term: 07/01/22 – 6/30/23
Contact Peggy

Peggy Walsh Sheryka is serving her second term as Director/Second Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates on the AAPA Board of Directors. In 2011, she served as the Student Director and President of the Student Academy. Since then, she has served in various leadership roles in the AAPA House of Delegates. Walsh Sheryka also served on state chapter boards in Colorado and Texas.

PA Walsh Sheryka has practiced clinically in surgical specialties for the past 12 years, primarily in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Her current role primarily serves adult patients undergoing oncologic and traumatic reconstruction and gender affirming care at the University of Colorado Hospital. PA Walsh Sheryka has roots in education, completing a graduate teaching fellowship prior to entering PA school, and continues teaching as a clinical preceptor and lecturer for the University of Colorado.

PA Walsh Sheryka has been passionate about advocacy and building engagement in the PA profession since her time as a student. She was selected as a Paul Ambrose Scholar by the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research and served as president of her PA program student society prior to her election as Student Academy president. Seeing a need for additional support and engagement early in the PA career, Walsh Sheryka and other former Student Academy leaders established the Society for Early Career PAs. She continues to advocate for student involvement and has been a legislative advocate at the state and federal levels. She is intentional in engaging PAs and PA students in leadership and the advocacy process. As someone who was mentored by great leaders throughout her career, Walsh Sheryka hopes to inspire the next generation of PAs who will impact their communities, patients, and healthcare as a whole.

PA Walsh Sheryka earned her Bachelor of Science in health and exercise science and Master of Science in food science and human nutrition from Colorado State University. She completed her Master of Science in PA Studies from Baylor College of Medicine.

Director-at-Large, Eric P. Martinez, MPAS, PA-C

Houston, Texas | Term: 07/01/21 – 6/30/23
Contact Eric

Eric P. Martinez is excited to continue his service on the AAPA Board of Directors as Director-at-Large. He strives to be a devout advocate and brand ambassador as the profession moves forward with title change. He is optimistic about the future of the PA profession knowing many of the challenges we face are a sign of growth and maturity.

Martinez brings a history of leadership and service to the profession at the state and national level. In addition to his service on AAPA’s Board of Directors, he has served as student director, legislative chair, delegate, and president of the Texas Academy of PAs (TAPA).

Martinez practices emergency medicine at a leading level one trauma center in Houston, Texas. He is currently the director of the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) Emergency Medicine PA Fellowship program and is the clerkship coordinator for PA students rotating through the emergency department. Martinez serves on many departmental committees and represents PAs on the BCM Faculty Senate. He also practices part-time in telemedicine and is a member of a team tasked to incorporate telemedicine into the emergency department for quality improvement and expansion of access to care.

Fortunate to have had several mentors who helped shape his career, Martinez is passionate about mentoring the new generation of PA clinicians and leaders. He participates in the Texas Gulf Coast Regional PA Society, and the Texas A&M Mentorship Program mentoring pre-PA and PA students.

In recognition of his service to the PA profession he was inducted to the PAEA Pi Alpha Honors Society in 2019 by his PA school alma mater.

Martinez received a Bachelor of Science in biology from Texas A&M University and a Master of PA Studies from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He completed a post-graduate fellowship in emergency medicine at BCM in 2012 and holds a certificate of added qualification (CAQ) in emergency medicine.

Eric and his wife, who is also a practicing PA, welcomed their son to the world in January 2022.

Director/First Vice Speaker of the House Leslie Clayton, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Maple Grove, Minnesota | Term: 07/01/22 – 6/30/23
Contact Leslie

Leslie Clayton is serving her fourth term on the AAPA Board of Directors, building on her extensive record of service to the Academy. Beginning her leadership career in the Student Academy’s Assembly of Representatives, she has since held progressive leadership roles in the House of Delegates: representing the Minnesota Academy of PAs, on the Standing Rules Committee, and leading multiple Reference Committees. She also represented the Academy on important policy issues by serving as a member of the PA Full Practice Authority Task Force and representing AAPA on the National Committee for Quality Assurance Patient Centered Medical Home. Her leadership career also extends to multiple constituent organizations, where she served in multiple leadership roles, including president and legislative chair of the Minnesota chapter.

Leslie Clayton is a physician assistant and is the Advanced Practice Provider Program Director for Practice Access and Efficiency for Fairview Health in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has over 20 years of primary care experience, specializing in preventative care and chronic disease management. PA Clayton has been involved in medical education for over 15 years and has educated PAs, NPs and medical students, both clinically and as a lecturer. She currently serves on the board of directors for the American Academy of Physician Associates and has been awarded Distinguished Fellow Status from AAPA in recognition of her many years of quality medical practice, leadership roles, and professional accomplishments. She is also adjunct faculty at Saint Catherine University Master of PA Studies program, where she has taught since 2014, and is a guest lecturer at other Minnesota PA programs throughout the year.

PA Clayton is a fierce advocate for improvement of the practice capacity of PAs. As the Minnesota Academy of PAs Legislative Co-Chair, she was the lead advocate and writer of the recently passed PA Practice Modernization Act, which removed supervision and delegation of scope of practice from PA practice regulations in the state of Minnesota. This progressive legislation was the result of PA Clayton’s leadership of legislative efforts, and her personal diligence in handling all legislative meetings and lobbyist management over the last four years.

During her career, PA Clayton has worked closely with NPs, often representing both the NP and PA professions on clinical committees and lecturing on the differences and similarities of each profession.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology at Texas A&M University and a Certificate of PA Studies from Saint Francis University (formerly Saint Francis College) in Pennsylvania. She earned her Master of PA Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a graduate certificate in Integrating High-Value Patient Care and Performance Improvement in Healthcare from Arizona State University, and recently completed her Doctorate of Medical Science degree from Rocky Mountain College in Montana.

Director-at-Large, Deanna Bridge Najera, MPAS, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA

Mount Airy, Maryland | Term: 07/01/21 – 6/30/23
Contact Deanna

Deanna Bridge Najera is serving her first term on the AAPA Board of Directors as Director-at-Large. She previously served AAPA as the chair of the Commission on the Health of the Public, and as a member of the Health Disparities Workgroup. She has also represented Maryland in the AAPA House of Delegates and served as president of the Maryland Academy of PAs from 2019-2020.

Clinically, PA Najera works part-time at a suburban emergency department where she also assists on the system-wide emergency medicine PA advisory council as a legislative and engagement advisor. At a local health department, she serves as the lead clinician of the county’s reproductive health program. She also works at a community mental health clinic, providing outpatient psychiatric services.

With these varied roles, PA Najera has gained an understanding of the complexities of the healthcare and mental health systems, and has seen the various barriers that the public encounters in accessing those systems. PA Najera has also been a regular speaker on a variety of topics at AAPA national conferences and state PA conferences. She has lectured for state and national mental health organizations and has been a guest speaker for PA and mental health graduate programs.

PA Najera attended the University of Maryland, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology and neurobiology; Chatham University, earning a master’s degree in PA studies; and Shippensburg University, earning a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.

Director-at-Large, Kris Pyles-Sweet, DMSc, PA-C

Morganton, North Carolina | Term: 07/01/22 – 6/30/24
Contact Kris

Kris Pyles-Sweet, DMSc, PA-C, is serving her first term on the American Academy of Physician Associates as Director-at-Large. She currently serves as the Chair of the AAPA Political Action Committee and continues to be a member of the AAPA Government Commission and Government Relations and Practice Advancement (GRPA). In addition to her previous four terms of service as Vice-President and Chief Delegate in the House of Delegates for Geriatric Medicine PAs, she served in multiple leadership roles, including president of PAs for Tomorrow, where she was involved in the Full Practice Authority and Responsibility task force while authoring a white paper, as well as the Title Change initiative. Her AAPA leadership career includes the Family Practice Ad Hoc Committee and the PA Practice Owners Task Force.

With her passion for advocacy and promoting the PA profession, Pyles-Sweet continues as a peer reviewer for several journals, including JAAPA, and donates her time as a scholarship, CME, and poster reviewer for AAPA and the PA Foundation. Serving in various roles at the state level, including the membership committee, she is currently on the government affairs committee in North Carolina.

With her dedicated leadership, Pyles-Sweet has practiced in multiple specialties, including endocrine, geriatrics, and dermatology. When not working to advocate for the profession, she owns a private practice providing a wide array of services. She enjoys mentoring pre-PAs, new PAs, and Ps interested in starting a practice.

She attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She received her PA degree from Kettering College of Ohio, her Master of Science in Education and Leadership from A.T. Still University, and a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) from A.T. Still University.

Chief Executive Officer, Lisa M. Gables, CPA

Contact Lisa | Biography (PDF)

Lisa M. Gables, CPA, is an association executive with extensive experience in healthcare and aging services. She was named chief executive officer of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) in September 2020 after serving as interim CEO since June 2019.

Gables has been with AAPA since 2012, having served as chief financial officer and chief development officer from May 2012 to September 2020. In these roles she was responsible for overseeing the financial management of the organization, fostering external strategic outreach to individuals and like-minded organizations, and developing and implementing an integrated strategy to generate opportunities to provide AAPA and the PA Foundation with funding to support their missions.

From May 2012 to July 2015, Gables also served as the executive director of the PA Foundation. Prior to joining AAPA and the PA Foundation, she was the executive director of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) Foundation and the chief development and program officer of ASCP where she held similar roles. Before that Gables was the executive director of the National Adult Day Services Association, where she increased awareness of adult day services with federal regulators while managing all aspects of the association’s operations. Prior to that, she served as the chief financial officer of the National Council on Aging and vice president of finance and business development for Active Services Corporation, the nation’s largest adult day services, home care and rehabilitation network.

Gables also served as finance manager and senior financial analyst for Birmingham Baptist Medical Center and held financial positions with ReLife, Inc. and Ernst & Young. She is a certified public accountant with a degree in business administration and accounting from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to her career in aging and health services, Gables serves on the board and as the chair-elect of the American Society on Aging and will take the chair role in 2022. She has just been elected to serve on the board of the Primary Care Collaborative. She is the past treasurer of the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation and currently serves as a volunteer with the Fairfax County Adult Protective Services Agency.