American Academy of PAs Announces 2026-27 Board of Directors 

David J. Bunnell to Serve as President and Chair of the Board

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (July 1, 2026) – The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Board of Directors began its 2026-27 leadership year on July 1. The board will be led by President and Chair David J. Bunnell, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA, a dedicated leader with more than 20 years of clinical experience in high-acuity specialties.  

Bunnell currently serves as Associate Professor and Director of the Doctor of Medical Science program at the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies. He brings extensive experience in clinical practice and higher education, having championed initiatives that strengthen the physician associate (PA) profession, improve patient access to high-quality care, and help prepare the next generation of PAs.  

“I am honored to serve as president and chair of the AAPA Board of Directors and grateful for the trust our members have placed in me,” said Bunnell. “As healthcare continues to evolve, PAs are essential to the health of our communities. Every day, PAs expand access to care, strengthen healthcare teams, and improve the lives of patients across the country.” 

Bunnell has served in numerous leadership positions within AAPA and the Association of PAs in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, where he has helped advance professional development, research, and advocacy efforts. He also served as the chair of the AAPA Governance Commission. 

“I look forward to working alongside our members to strengthen the profession, support the next generation of PAs, and advocate for practice environments that enable PAs to contribute fully to patient care,” continued Bunnell. “Together, we will continue demonstrating the value PAs bring to patients, healthcare teams, and communities while building the future of our profession together.” 

Members of AAPA’s 2026-27 Board of Directors are: 

• President and Chair of the Board: David J. Bunnell, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA (Ellicott City, Maryland)  

• President-elect: Leslie Clayton, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA (Plymouth, Minnesota) 

• Immediate Past President: Todd A. Pickard, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FASCO (Houston, Texas) 

• Vice President and Speaker of the House: Peggy Walsh Sheryka, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA (Centennial, Colorado) 

• Secretary-Treasurer: Brendan Lucas, DMSc, PA-C (Gallatin, Tennessee) 

• Student Director: Laura Hassan, PA-C (Princess Anne, Maryland) 

• Director-at-Large: Daniel Coll, MBA, MHS, PA-C, DFAAPA (Truckee, California) 

• Director-at-Large: Paola Gonzalez, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C (Houston, Texas) 

• Director-at-Large: Vic Holmes, PA-C, EdD (Plano, Texas) 

• Director-at-Large: Rebecca Loveless, MHS, PA-C, DFAAPA (Kirkwood, Missouri) 

• Director-at-Large: Brittany Strelow, DMSc, PA-C, MS, DFAAPA (Rochester, Minnesota) 

• Director/First Vice Speaker of the House: Rachel Weinzimmer, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-EM, CPAAPA, DFAAPA (Grand Junction, Colorado) 

• Director/Second Vice Speaker of the House: Jeremy Nelson, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA (Iowa City, Iowa) 

• Chief Executive Officer: Lisa Gables, CPA (Clifton, Virginia) 

To learn more about AAPA’s leadership team, visit aapa.org/bod. 

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Contact: [email protected] 

About the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
AAPA is the national membership organization for all physician associates/assistants (PAs). PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. Learn more about the profession at aapa.org and engage through Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.