The strategic planning process, guided by Lowell Aplebaum (Vista Cova), will define the Ohio Academy of Family Physician’s (OAFP) direction, priorities, and investments for the next several years. The decisions made through this effort will have a lasting impact on our relevance, effectiveness, and ability to serve the OAFP’s diverse membership.
Participation on the 2026-27 Strategic Planning Taskforce is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to that work. Taskforce members will help address critical questions about the organization’s future and determine where we should focus, how we can deliver the greatest value, and what changes are necessary to remain responsive in a shifting environment. This is an opportunity to look beyond current operations and contribute to a broader, forward-looking vision. The strength of the strategic plan will depend, in large part, on the engagement and insight of those involved in shaping it.
Core Role of Taskforce Members
- Serve as strategic thought partners, not just reviewers
- Bring a forward-looking, organization-wide perspective
- Engage in discussion, debate, and decision-making
- Help translate research and insights into clear strategic choices
- Act as ambassadors of the process, building understanding and alignment across the organization
Time Commitment Overview
Includes:
- 2 – 3 virtual Taskforce meetings
- Pre-work and reflection
- Full participation in an in-person retreat, scheduled for a weekend in March 2027 at the OAFP office in Columbus, OH (a full day on Saturday, March 13, 2027, and potentially a half day on Sunday, March 14)
- Review of draft materials and provide thoughtful feedback
Phase-by-Phase Expectations
Taskforce Role:
- Participate in taskforce meetings to guide the process and react to emerging findings
- Review and reflect on:
- Member wide survey results
- Interview and focus group themes
- Environmental scans and trend data
- Openness to new and sometimes conflicting perspectives
- Willingness to sit in ambiguity before jumping to solutions
- Active participation in discussion
To ensure our unique membership is fully represented, the OAFP is seeking members who reflect the diversity of our organization to serve on the 2026–27 Strategic Planning Task Force. Members interested in participating in this important initiative are encouraged to contact Executive Vice President Kate Mahler, CAE, with a brief statement outlining their interest in serving on the taskforce.
Appointments to the task force will be made later this summer by OAFP President Mary Krebs, MD, FAAFP.