After serving for more than 27 years as executive vice president (EVP) of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians (OAFP) and the OAFP Foundation, Ann M. Spicer will retire on Thursday, March 31.
During her tenure, Ann has passionately advocated for the specialty of family medicine and worked tirelessly to support Ohio’s family physicians in their quest to improve the health of patients, families, and communities.
On January 25, the OAFP Board of Directors hired Kate Mahler, CAE, as its new EVP effective Friday, April 1.
A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Kate has over 20 years of experience in association management, earned the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives, and has served as the OAFP deputy EVP, alongside Ann, since 2006.
In recognition of Ann’s many contributions, the OAFP presented her with its Torchlight Leadership Award in 2015, an honor reserved for a leader who best champions the mission and vision of the Academy. Ann is the first and only non-physician to have received this award. In 2019, the OAFP Board of Directors additionally recognized her for being the voice of family medicine over the past 25 years.
“Ann has served the OAFP with unequaled wisdom and grace,” said OAFP President Teresa Zryd, MD, MSPH, FAAFP. “She was the ‘mainstay,’ as OAFP presidents and board members changed, always there to steady the organization.”
Dr. Zryd continued, “Her political acumen and advocacy for Ohio family physicians was/is without parallel. Like every excellent leader, Ann planned for her departure and prepared the Academy for this moment by mentoring all her staff, but especially Deputy EVP Kate Mahler, CAE, to step in as the Academy’s next EVP. So, as we wish Ann only the best, and thank her for her many years of service, we are very excited to welcome Kate as our new EVP. She brings not only her own institutional memory and wisdom; but also enthusiasm and innovative thinking. She will become, as Ann was, our ‘mainstay.’ We look forward to the many more years she will serve the OAFP.”
Ann’s impact in health care has been felt on the national level as well. During her career, she served on the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Commission on Governmental Advocacy, the AAFP Commission on Health of the Public and Science, the AAFP Communications Committee, and the Chapter Executives Advisory Committee to the AAFP Executive Vice President. In addition, the AAFP honored Ann with a meritorious service award in 2020.
“I have been blessed to serve in the EVP role of the Academy and the Foundation for the past 27 years,” Ann stated. “I realize how fortunate I am to have experienced a meaningful career advocating for a profession that I truly believe in and with people that I respect and admire.”
Thank you and best wishes Ann; and congratulations Kate!