AOTA announces new Executive Director

North Bethesda, MD (March 14, 2024) — The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) announced today that Katie Jordan, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, will be AOTA’s new permanent Executive Director, assuming responsibilities from Interim Executive Director Charles Jeffers II, who was appointed by the Board of Directors in July 2023. Dr. Jordan will begin her term as AOTA Executive Director on August 7, 2024. AOTA represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 230,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide.

“Dr. Jordan is a visionary leader who brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in advancing occupational therapy. Her passion for AOTA and occupational therapy has resulted in crucial wins for our profession,” said Alyson Stover, MOT, JD, OTR/L, BCP, AOTA President. “We look forward to the fresh perspectives, strategic insights, and collaborative spirit she will bring to AOTA and the larger occupational therapy community.”

Dr. Jordan is the Chief Administrative Officer for the University of Southern California (USC) University Clinical Services, Associate Chair of USC Chan Division Clinical Occupational Therapy Services, and Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy. She is the AOTA Advisor on the American Medical Association Relative Value Update Committee, Health Care Professional Advisory Committee, and the Practice Expense Committee.

She previously served as a Director for the AOTA Board of Directors, as an AOTA advisor to the National Quality Forum, and as the Chair of the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) Practice, Ethics, and Reimbursement Committee. Dr. Jordan has worked in non-profit sectors for over 20 years as a practitioner, educator, administrator, compliance liaison, and executive leader.

“As an occupational therapy practitioner, it is such an honor to be able to serve our profession and community as the new Executive Director. I am thrilled to join the amazing AOTA staff and our volunteer leaders, and excited to work with everyone as we continue to strive together towards our shared mission, vision, and values,” Dr. Jordan said.

The AOTA Executive Director search began in October 2023, and was led by the Board of Directors in collaboration with the Ramsey Group. The comprehensive hiring process included extensive input from the occupational therapy community, volunteer leaders, and AOTA staff.

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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 https://www.aota.org.