R. Shawn Martin

Shawn Martin serves as executive vice president and chief executive officer for the American Academy of Family Physicians, the nation’s largest primary care organization and one of the most influential physician associations in the United States. In this role, he provides strategic leadership to the AAFP and advances its mission to improve the health of patients, families and communities by championing family medicine and strengthening primary care.

A nationally recognized health care leader, Martin is known for his work at the intersection of health policy, physician workforce development, primary care transformation and payment reform. Throughout his career, he has been a leading advocate for policies and innovations that improve access to comprehensive, high-quality primary care and support the sustainability of independent physician practices.

Prior to his current role, he served as AAFP’s senior vice president of Advocacy, Practice Advancement and Policy, where he led the Academy’s federal advocacy efforts and policy strategy. Earlier in his career, he served as director of Government Relations and Health Policy for the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). He also has served in leadership roles for several coalitions and partnerships during his career and was recognized by The Hill as one of the top 10 health care lobbyists in Washington, DC. Martin was named 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 in recognition of his leadership in advancing primary care, shaping health policy and elevating the role of family medicine in the national health care conversation.

A native of Oklahoma, Martin earned his undergraduate degree from Phillips University and his graduate degree from Dartmouth College.