• Charting a New Path

    AAFP Commences Search for Next CEO/EVP

    August 23, 2019, 12:59 pm News Staff – In April, Douglas Henley, M.D., informed the AAFP Board of Directors that he would step down as CEO and executive vice president of the Academy on Aug. 1, 2020.

    searching for unique one

    Finding the right person to succeed Dr. Henley will require time for careful assessment, so the Academy has already embarked on a plan to find the most qualified individual to lead the AAFP and ensure a smooth transition.

    Transition Plan to Date

    The Academy has selected Korn Ferry, a Los Angeles-based organizational consulting firm with offices in Kansas City, Mo., to assist in the search process.

    The AAFP has also created an 11-person search committee that comprises

    • AAFP President-elect Gary LeRoy, M.D., who will serve as chair;
    • AAFP Deputy EVP/COO Todd Dicus, as vice-chair;
    • Nebraska AFP EVP Liz Simon Fidone, M.P.A., M.S.W.;
    • AAFP Foundation Board President-elect Julie Anderson, M.D.;
    • Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Executive Director/CEO Stacy Brungardt, M.A., C.A.E.;
    • Former American Osteopathic Association CEO Adrienne White-Faines, M.P.A.;
    • Jennifer Bacani McKenney, M.D., of Fredonia, Kan.;
    • John Montgomery, M.D., M.P.H., of Orange Park, Fla.;
    • LaTasha Seliby Perkins, M.D., of Alexandria, Va.;
    • Glen Stream, M.D., M.B.I., of Indian Wells, Calif.; and
    • AAFP VP and Chief Human Capital Officer Holly McCoy, who will serve as administrative lead and non-voting member.
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    Job Qualifications

    The search committee will work with Korn Ferry to finalize the job description, requirements and qualifications the Academy is looking for, with the job listing to be posted in late September or early October.

    The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of the current U.S. health care climate and the challenges the family medicine specialty faces, as well as an established record of leading an organization of the AAFP's size and standing.

    Next Steps

    While the timing is subject to change, the AAFP anticipates that the search process will develop along the following timeline.

    In December 2019, the search committee will select the most promising applicants. The committee expects to conduct in-person interviews with those candidates in mid- to late January 2020. The committee will then provide recommendations on a group of three to five finalists to the AAFP Board of Directors.

    It is estimated that the Board will bring in the finalists for interviews during its meeting in late February 2020. Once the Board votes for its top choice, the Board chair will begin negotiations with the selected candidate.

    The Academy will announce the new CEO/EVP once negotiations are complete, which is expected to be by the next Annual Chapter Leader Forum in April 2020.

    The Academy would like the new CEO/EVP to job shadow Dr. Henley during his last month in office or longer. Shadowing will give the new executive time to acclimate to the position and meet staff and stakeholders, as well as to gain invaluable knowledge and insight from Dr. Henley.

    The AAFP will provide members with more information on the applicant search and the transition process as it becomes available.