Newly selected VP to direct marketing redesign, four divisions

The Academy has selected Donna Valponi, M.B.A., to fill the position of vice president for marketing, membership and meetings at AAFP headquarters in Leawood, Kan.

According to an AAFP news release, Valponi will oversee four divisions -- Membership, Meetings and Conventions, Convention Management, and Marketing -- including a staff of nearly 70 people. She will take the lead in restructuring the Academy's Marketing Division.

The new VP brings a wealth of marketing experience to the position, most recently as vice president of marketing for Union Station Kansas City in Kansas City, Mo. Prior to that, Valponi spent 20 years in a variety of marketing and management positions at Hallmark Cards Inc.

Valponi replaces Mickey Schaefer, C.A.E., who retired from the AAFP on Jan. 29 after 20 years of service.