FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 17, 2021

Media Contact:
Janelle Davis
AAFP Public Relations
(913) 912-0377
jdavis@aafp.org

LEAWOOD, Kan. — The American Academy of Family Physicians is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its senior leadership team, effective Nov. 16. Paula Matthews is the new chief human resources officer, and Brian Edwards is the new vice president, membership. Matthews and Edwards succeed Holly McCoy and Elaine Conrad, respectively, who will both retire from the AAFP in early 2022.

“Our most important stakeholders are our staff and family physician members,” said Shawn Martin, AAFP executive vice president and CEO. “Paula and Brian bring tremendous experience and insight that will ensure the AAFP continues to be a great place to work, and where family physicians can find the support they need to care for patients in our challenging and everchanging health care system.”

Matthews has more than 25 years of human resources experience across employee relations, talent management and development, compensation and performance management and organizational development. She comes to the AAFP from Hallmark Cards where she most recently led their employee relations team. Matthews is active in the Kansas City community, currently serving on the board of Reach Out and Read. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Missouri.

“I am passionate about cultivating an environment where employees are inspired and feel supported to achieve their personal and professional goals,” said Matthews. “I am excited to work alongside the talented staff to ensure the AAFP is a thoughtful and rewarding workplace.”

Edwards has nearly 17 years of leadership experience in the health insurance industry. He joins the AAFP from Government Employees Health Association (GEHA) where he was director, customer experience, building and driving the organization’s member experience strategy and initiatives. Edwards previously held various leadership roles at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City across member operations, member experience, Affordable Care Act operational readiness and enterprise business process management. He currently serves on the board of directors at the American Red Cross. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Langston University and an MBA from the University of Central Oklahoma.

“Family physicians are the cornerstone of health care in America, and the pandemic has further demonstrated this to everyone in our country,” said Edwards. “I look forward to the opportunity to serve and engage with our physician, resident and student members along with all of the AAFP chapters to support the ongoing advancement of family medicine.”

As the leader of the AAFP’s membership division, Edwards is responsible for leading the ongoing growth and retention of AAFP members, including member support and engagement. He also leads chapter relations to ensure/support chapter success and oversees the AAFP governance process.

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