On March 11, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) announced that Shawn Martin, AAFP’s senior vice president, advocacy, practice advancement and policy, will become the next executive vice president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the AAFP, succeeding Douglas E. Henley, MD. In April 2019, Dr. Henley announced his intent to retire effective Saturday, August 1, 2020.
“Over the past 11 months, the AAFP conducted a national search for its new CEO and considered a highly qualified and diverse slate of candidates,” said Gary LeRoy, MD, president of the AAFP. “After an extensive interview process with the AAFP’s Board of Directors, we found the best candidate right in our own backyard. Mr. Martin is an experienced leader and nationally recognized expert on primary care delivery, payment, and workforce issues. I am confident he will continue to deliver value for AAFP’s members and staff.”
Mr. Martin brings 20+ years of experience with health care organizations, both with the with AAFP and the American Osteopathic Association. He is passionate about promoting the specialty of family medicine, reducing administrative burden for physicians, and ensuring everyone has equal access to affordable health care coverage based in foundational family medicine and primary care.
“As the son of a family physician, I understand the important and valuable role family physicians play in people’s lives and in the health of local communities,” said Mr. Martin. “I look forward to continuing the great work Dr. Henley, our staff, and our board are doing to advance the specialty of family medicine both for physicians and patients.”
Mr. Martin will continue in his current role until Monday, June 1. At that time, Mr. Martin will become CEO designee, and he and DR. Henley will work closely together over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.