About APMA

Committees

2026–2027 committee appointments are now in effect.

Eligibility for service on APMA committees is contingent upon completion and return of the following forms:

Completed forms can either be emailed or faxed to Brandi Davenport. The fax number is 301-571-9549. Emailed forms must have an electronic signature. The committee reference manual serves as a resource for all committee members irrespective of their position on the committee. Questions regarding reference manual content should be directed to Stephanie Simmons.

Any questions related to expense reimbursement for current committee members who are eligible related to a face-to-face committee meeting should be directed to your committee's staff liaison.


APMA Political Action Committee (APMAPAC) Board of Directors

Randy K. Kaplan, DPM, Chair
Janet Simon, DPM, Vice-Chair
Michael J. Cornelison, DPM, Secretary
Michael A. Conway, DPM, Treasurer
Rami Basatneh, DPM, Young Physician Liaison
Javan Bass, DPM
Disal Wickramasinghe, APMSA Liaison
Odin de los Reyes, DPM
Karen Lambert, Florida, Executive Director Liaison
Holly Spohn-Gross, DPM, APMA BOT Liaison
Samuel Nava, DPM, ACFAS Liaison
Derek Pantiel, DPM
Sandra Raynor, DPM
Thomas S. Godfryd, DPM, Chair Emeritus
Barney A. Greenberg, DPM, Chair Emeritus
Gerald D. Peterson, DPM, Chair Emeritus
Staff Liaison: Ben Melano, MPP, MBA

Specific questions related to the APMAPAC should be directed to Ben Melano, MPP, MBA.


Bylaws, Procedures, and Rules Committee

CHAIR: Seth A. Rubenstein, DPM, VA (2028)
Danielle M. Green-Watson, DPM, GA (2028)
James H. Whelan, DPM, WI (2027)
Stephen C. Schmid, DPM, MN (2029)
Marlene Reid, DPM, IL (2029)
Michael Tritto, DPM, MD, ex-officio (Speaker of the House)
OBSERVER: Timothy J. Miller, DPM, FL
Staff Liaison: Meghan McClelland, MBA, and Stephanie R. Simmons

Charge: Advises BOT and HOD on all matters affecting bylaws, administrative procedures, and HOD operational manual when those matters are referred. Acts as reference committee on bylaws, administrative procedures, HOD operations manual, and standing rules of the house.

Specific questions related to the Bylaws, Procedures, and Rules Committee should be directed to Stephanie Simmons.


Clinical Affairs Committee 

CHAIR: Niral A. Patel, DPM, IN (2029)
VICE CHAIR: Timothy J. Miller, DPM, FL (2029)
Danny B. Ghannoum, DPM, VA (2029)
Carlyn M. Hinish, DPM, MI (2028)
John N. Evans, DPM, MI (2027)
Asmaa I. Ibrahim, DPM, PA (2027)
Ksenja Llazar, DPM, NY (2027)
Amanda L. Killeen, DPM, TX (2028)
Lee C. Rogers, DPM, TX (2027)
Kiana R. Trent, DPM, MD (2028)
Jennifer A. Skolnik, DPM, MA (2028)
Andrew J. Meyr, DPM, PA (2028)            
Rebecca A. Sundling, DPM, MPH, MI (2027)
Alexander Kor, DPM, IN (2029)
Saluja Mahabamunuge, DPM, GA (2029)          
LIAISON: Neilda Erickson, DPM, CA (2028), Young Physician (voting)
LIAISON (BOT): Robert Sage, DPM
LIAISON (APMSA): Parastou Esmaieli
LIAISON (COMPONENT): Janet Simon, DPM, NM
Staff Liaisons: Dyane E. Tower, DPM, MPH, MS, CAE   

Charge: Addresses questions and facilitates discussion about issues affecting the general practice of podiatric medicine and surgery. Produces and supports publishable research, including research demonstrating the value of podiatric medicine and surgery. Monitors research activities in foot and ankle health care delivery. Represents podiatric profession in both administrative and advisory capacities among healthcare, including public health, programs at the national level. 

Specific questions related to the Clinical Affairs Committee should be directed to Dyane E. Tower, DPM, MPH, MS, CAE.     


Coding and Payment Policy Committee 

CHAIR: Steve J. Merckx, DPM, WI (2028)
VICE CHAIR: Anna K. Weber, DPM, CO (2029)
Jondelle B. Jenkins, DPM, IL (2027)         
Alan L. Bass, DPM, NJ (2028)
Eliezer T. Eisenberger, DPM, NY (2029)   
Zachary K. Janes, DPM, IN (2028), Young Physician
Frank L. Lepore, DPM, FL (2028)
Elizabeth B. Daughtry, NC (2029)
Bradley L. Jimerson, LA (2029)   
Melissa J. Lockwood, DPM, IL (2029)      
Joshua L. Moore, DPM, OH (2029)           
Matthew C. Dairman, DPM, VA (2028)
Paul A. Kesselman, DPM, NY (2027)
Brennen L. O'Dell, MI (2028)
Jodie N. Sengstock, DPM, MI (2027), CAC/PIAC Chair
LIAISON (CPT): Richard A. Dellinger, DPM, AR (2027)        
LIAISON (RUC): Susan M. Walsh, DPM, MA (2027)
LIAISON (BOT): David B. Alper, DPM
LIAISON (APMSA): TBD
Staff Liaison: Chad Appel, JD, CAE

Charge: Evaluates coding policy as it affects podiatric medicine and educates the membership on current coding issues. Acts in the capacity of adviser to the membership, assisting members in obtaining the tools to improve their coding skills. Evaluates projects by considering their impact on APMA members as practicing podiatrists. Increases the awareness of CC members of available coding publications. Evaluates the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) to assure that code combinations presented are consistent with quality patient care. Recommends change to current CPT codes that do not adequately address the procedures they represent. Furthers the interaction between the CC and other specialty society coding committees through involvement with the AMA CPT process. Provides and assists in the writing and presentation of current coding issues that address the needs of the membership. Participates in writing and disseminating coding newsletters and manuals to assist the membership. Works in conjunction with HSC, HPC, and other APMA committees when significant issues arise that require CC assistance. When applicable, provides clarification on coding issues to payers. Assists with coding issues that require periodic evaluation.

Specific questions related to the Coding Committee should be directed to Chad Appel, JD, CAE.


CAC/PIAC Committee Subgroup

CHAIR: Jodie N. Sengstock, DPM, MI (2027)         
LIAISON (CPPC CHAIR): Steve J. Merckx, DPM, WI (2028)
LIAISON (CPPC BOT): David B. Alper, DPM
LIAISON (CPT): Ira H. Kraus, DPM, TN (2027)
LIAISON (RUC): Andrew Pavelescu, DPM, FL (2027)
Staff Liaison: Chad Appel, JD, CAE

Charge: The CAC and PIAC structure serves as a coordinated advocacy network representing podiatric physicians and their patients before Medicare administrative contractors, private payers, and other stakeholders. Representatives, appointed by state podiatric medical associations, advocate for fair coverage, payment, and policy decisions while assisting members in resolving Medicare and private insurance–related concerns.

Specific questions related to the CAC/PIAC Committee Subgroup should be directed to Chad Appel, JD, CAE.


Development Committee (DC)

CHAIR: Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, MD (2029)
VICE CHAIR: William Harris, IV, DPM, SC (2029)
Saylee Tulpule, DPM, DC (2028) 
Julio C. Gutierrez Jr. DPM, FL (2028)
Scott E. Hughes, DPM, BOT         
Meghan McClelland, MBA, APMA CEO
LIAISON (BOT): Holly Spohn-Gross, DPM
Staff Liaison: Tina Carter

Charge: Determines corporate funding priorities for APMA programs. Pursues efforts to garner and solicit nondues income. Assists in prioritizing funding requests considered by the APMA Educational Foundation.

Specific questions related to the Development Committee should be directed to Tina Carter.


Education Committee

CHAIR: James H. Whelan, DPM, WI (2029)
VICE CHAIR: Karen A. Langone, DPM, NY (2029)
Christopher P. Girgis, DPM, MI (2028)
Tyson E. Green, DPM, LA (2029)
Devon J. Niewohner, DPM, WV (2028)
Johanna M. Richey, DPM, AZ (2029)
Akshay Jain, DPM, FL (2028)
Sara Davidovich, DPM, NY (2027)
Rachel H. Albright, DPM, MPH, CT (2027)
Nicholas S. Powers, DPM, NC (2028)
Nishit Vora, DPM, FL (2029)
Nicholas J. Faiver, DPM, CT (2027)
Rachel Gerber, DPM, AZ (2028) 
Hau T. Pham, DPM, MA (2027)
Shital R. Sharma, DPM, NY (2027)
Rovern Anthony, DPM, FL (2028), Young Physician
LIASION (BOT): Jane E. Andersen, DPM
LIAISON (APMSA): TBD
Staff Liaisons: Dyane E. Tower, DPM, MPH, MS, CAE

Charge: Ensures the continuity of APMA’s education by conducting an annual needs assessment and review of all education activities. The committee is responsible for oversight in planning, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating education activities of the association including but not limited to the annual scientific meeting, live in-person seminars, internet live webinars, and on-demand activities.

Specific questions related to the Education Committee should be directed to Dyane E. Tower, DPM, MPH, MS, CAE.


Finance Committee (FC)

CHAIR: Leslie Campbell, DPM, BOT
Arman A. Kirakosian, DPM, CA (2028)
Phillip E. Ward, DPM, NC (2029)
Maria A. Branca, DPM, NY (2027)
Scott E. Hughes, DPM, BOT
David B. Alper, DPM, BOT
OBSERVER: Michael Barth, PA
Staff Liaison: Sara Greaves, CPA, MBA

Charge: Considers and reviews proposed budget and revisions, appropriations, and expenditures.

Specific questions related to the Finance Committee should be directed to Sara Greaves, CPA, MBA.


Government Affairs Committee 

CHAIR: Francis J. Rottier, DPM, IL (2029)
VICE CHAIR: Lauren Wurster, DPM, AZ (2029)      
Ami A. Sheth, DPM, CA (2029)
Austin P. Matthews, DPM, WY (2027)
Diana E. Rogers, DPM, FL (2027)
Andrew R. Mastay, DPM, MI (2029)        
Jacqueline L. Prevete, DPM, NY (2029)   
Bryanna D. Vesely, DPM, VA (2028), Young Physician
Kirk Geter, DPM, DC (2029)
Samuel R. Gorelik, DPM, MA (2027)
Charles A. Caplis, DPM, MS (2028)
Alan R. Kidon, DPM, PA (2029)
Diane Guadron, DPM, CA (2028)
Sarah M. Abshier, DPM, OH (2028)
Mark S. Block, DPM, FL (2027)
Randy K. Kaplan, DPM, MI (2027)
LIAISON (BOT): Scott E. Hughes, DPM
LIAISON (APMSA): TBD
LIAISON (COMPONENT): Marit Sivertson, JD (2028)
Staff Liaison: Chad Appel, JD, CAE

Charge: The Government Affairs Committee serves as the association’s policy and advocacy advisory body, ensuring that federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives reflect the needs of podiatric physicians, and the patients they serve. The committee identifies, analyzes, and recommends actions on issues affecting podiatric medical practice. 

Specific questions related to the Government Affairs Committee should be directed to Chad Appel, JD, CAE.


Member Affairs Committee 

CHAIR: Colin M. Mizuo, DPM, OR (2029)
VICE CHAIR: Sarah N. Standish, DPM, IN (2029)
Isaiah Tates, DPM, PA (2028), Young Physician
Sindhu Srinivas, DPM, GA (2027), Young Physician
Gayana H. Wanniarachchi, DPM, IL (2029), Young Physician
Tyler J. Daley, PA (2029)
Ingrid Frayer, IL (2029)
Ashleigh W. Medda, DPM, NC (2028)
Sari J. Priesand, DPM, MI (2028)
Duane Ehredt, DPM, PA (2029)
Renee L. Woo, DPM, CA (2028)
Nicholas R. Butler, DPM, OH (2027)
Grace E. Torres Hodges, DPM, FL (2028)
LIAISON (BOT): William Long, DPM
LIAISON (COMPONENT): Luci Ridolfo, CAE, OH
Staff Liaison: Peggy Tresky, MA

Charge: Provides guidance on issues related to the APMA community of interest, including membership recruitment and retention, member communications, media relations, public education, and external communications. Ensures accuracy and relevance of health information APMA distributes to the public. Shares insight on how members gather and consume information, as well as educational needs of patients, health-care providers, legislators, and other external audiences.

Specific questions related to the Membership Affairs Committee should be directed to Peggy Tresky, MA.

 

Awards Subcommittee

Membership is confidential. 
Staff Liaison: Stephanie R. Simmons

Charge: Reviews and revises criteria and nominations process for major APMA awards. Solicits nominees and recommends awardees to the board. Evaluates applications and recommends recipients for student scholarships awarded through the Educational Foundation.

Specific questions related to the Awards Subcommittee should be directed to Stephanie Simmons.


Student Engagement Subcommittee 

TBD, Young Physician to serve as chair
TBD, APMA student member
TBD, APMA student member
TBD, APMA student member
TBD, APMA student member
TBD, APMA student member
TBD, APMA student member
TBD, APMA student member
TBD, APMA student member
TBD, APMA student member
TBD, APMA student member
TBD, APMA student member
LIAISON (BOT): James Hanna, DPM
Staff Liaison: Julia Jacobson

Charge: Responsible for reviewing and strategizing ways to enrich APMA’s student engagement and outreach. Provides feedback on and contributes to APMA resource development, student member recruitment efforts, and annual BOT college visits. YPLP members will serve as mentors to this group.

Specific questions related to the Student Engagement Committee should be directed to Julia Jacobson.