American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Announces Interim Executive Director
Charles H. Jeffers II to Serve as Interim Executive Director During the Search for a New Executive Director
North Bethesda, MD (July 11, 2023)—The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Board of Directors appointed Charles H. Jeffers II, CDME, to serve as interim executive director during the association’s search for a permanent executive director, following the retirement of Sherry Keramidas, PhD, FASAE, CAE, CRP, in May 2023.
“Charles exudes the principles and values of AOTA in the way he talks, in the way he thinks about each question and challenge, and in the way he designs and moves plans forward,” said Alyson Stover, MOT, JD, OTR/L, BCP, AOTA President. “He has integrity that shows us that everything he does aims to ultimately make the world a better place."
Charles H. Jeffers II is a senior executive with more than 25 years of progressive experience in nonprofit environments. An action and goal-oriented innovator, he has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Chief Operating Officer of Visit Baltimore, Chief Operating Officer of Destination Marketing Association International, and SVP of Operations and Executive Director East Point at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. He brings to AOTA senior leadership experience in technology, operations, membership, strategic planning, destination sales, and marketing.
“The work that occupational therapy practitioners do is very important to our world,” said Jeffers. “I am so excited about this opportunity to be part of AOTA and the work to uplift this profession.”
The AOTA Board of Directors’ Interim Director Task Force led the selection of Jeffers, in partnership with a specialized search firm. The Task Force members were Alyson Stover, MOT, JD, OTR/L, BCP, AOTA President; Arameh Anvarizadeh, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, AOTA Vice President; Victoria Garcia Wilburn, DHSc, OTR, FAOTA; Amy Mahle, MHA, COTA/L, ROH; Vikram Pagpatan EdD, OTR/L; and Timothy Pickering, Consumer Advisor.
Jeffers’ term will begin immediately and continue until a new permanent executive director joins AOTA. The Board of Director’s search for AOTA’s next executive director will begin soon, led by a committee appointed by the AOTA Board of Directors.
About AOTA
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 230,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. Occupational therapy practitioners facilitate participation in everyday living for people of all ages. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in North Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, visit www.aota.org.