NAAOP Directors
"We have a very dedicated group of volunteer leaders. I've often said that our directors are like the conscience of the O&P profession. I feel honored and blessed to have been involved with NAAOP since its inception, and I look forward to an even brighter future."
George W. Breece, Executive Director, NAAOP
NAAOP's Officers and Directors invite all those participating in comprehensive O&P care to bring their energy and passion to support our profession. Contact us.
President
Paul Prusakowski, CPO, FAAOP, is the owner of Gainesville Prosthetics, an independent private practice in Gainesville Florida; President of O&P Digital Technologies, the developers of oandp.com; and lead architect of OPIE practice management / electronic medical records software. Mr. Prusakowski is the former Secretary/Treasurer of NAAOP; former president of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists; founder and moderator of OANDP-L, the global listserv for the O&P profession; co-founder and Director of the Digital Resource Foundation for the Orthotic and Prosthetic Community, www.drfop.org; and serves as adjunct faculty at Georgia Tech O&P program and St. Petersburg O&P program. He was actively involved in the establishment of a licensure law in the state of Florida in 1995. He is a 1992 Graduate of Florida International University O&P program. Mr. Prusakowski lectures nationally and internationally on clinical, computer technology, and business related topics in O&P.
Vice President
David McGill is the Vice President of Legal Affairs and Director of Payer Relations and Legislative Affairs for Ossur Americas. In that capacity, he is responsible for representing Ossur before both governmental and private payers, as well as monitoring national reimbursement trends in order to assess their impact on the O&P industry. Before joining Ossur, McGill was the co-founder and Executive Director of a New York prosthetic facility, specializing in insurance reimbursement issues. He is also a former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Amputee Coalition of America. McGill is licensed to practice law in New York, and has previously represented insurance companies in coverage litigations across the United States. He has also represented doctors and hospitals in medical malpractice litigations.
Secretary
Kim Doolan is the Clinical Coordinator for Allen Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc of Midland, Texas. She also consults for LIVINGSKIN/Touch Bionics of Hilliard, OH. Kim previously served as the Marketing Coordinator for MedArts/Motion Control/IOMED in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kim's other professional experience includes helping author the book, Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deficiencies. She has also written numerous articles for publications including; In Motion, Inside Case Manager, the O&P Almanac, the O&P Edge and O&P Business News. Kim has been a "Presenter" at numerous conferences and conventions including the AAOP, AOPA, ACA AOTA, Kolff Foundation, Jamaica Orthopaedic Association and Tuzla Bosnia Medical Association. Kim has a BS Degree from Mahattanville College of New York and a Masters Certificate in Business Management from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her volunteer work includes serving as a former Board member of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, the Amputee Coalition of America, the Barr Foundation and the League of Women Voters of Midland, TX. Kim is also an active volunteer for Hospice of Midland, Texas. Kim is married to Mike Allen, CPO, FAAOP and their family includes three children and six grandchildren.
Treasurer
Jim Rogers, CPO/L, FAAOP is managing CPO for Pinnacle Orthotic and Prosthetic Services in Chattanooga, TN. He is a graduate of New York University’s Prosthetics and Orthotics Program and has been in clinical practice for over 30 years. He is Board Certified and Licensed in Prosthetics and Orthotics and is a designated Fellow of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists.
Jim has a long history of service to the O&P profession and is a past-president of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. He is a recognized clinical presenter at national and state meetings and a certified Alpine Skiing coach for Special Olympics. He participates in a variety of events aimed at providing athletic opportunities for physically and mentally challenged individuals. He also participates in the Advantage Program Les Cayes through Medical Teams International providing orthotic and prosthetic care to the citizens of Haiti. Jim is married to Caroline his wife of 26 years, and they have three children.
Glenn Crumpton, CPO, C-ped is President of Alabama Artificial Limb and Orthopedic Service, Inc in Montgomery, Alabama. AAL&OS is a private practice with offices in Montgomery, Opelika and Selma. Glenn has spent his life in orthotics and prosthetics and is active in advocacy for the physically challenged. As a third generation prosthetist/orthotist, he has had the opportunity to witness the dramatic changes and advances in the O&P world that allow for remarkable results never before possible, while maintaining a connection with traditional methods and techniques for those who desire it.
Glenn's time spent in graduate school for prosthetics and orthotics at Northwestern University in the late 1980's and subsequent educational opportunities combined with over 30 years of experience in prosthetics and orthotics allow him to address the needs of his patients on many different levels to suit their needs and desires. Glenn was instrumental in the establishment of a licensure law in Alabama in 2002.
Glenn’s family is a major part of his life and he enjoys many activities with his daughters; Sara, Jordan and Emilee and his wife, Jennifer. Glenn is also a devoted Auburn Tigers and Atlanta Falcons football fan.
Former NAAOP PresidentO&P Alliance
Representative
Mark D. DeHarde is the President of Ultraflex Systems Inc, an international manufacturer of dynamic bracing and dynamic orthoses. Mr. DeHarde is committed to working with professionally organized O&P clinicians in all markets for the betterment of patient care. He served as the President of NAAOP for the 109th Congress, 2005-2006. Mr. DeHarde, a long time member of NAAOP, has served in the capacity of Executive Committee member and Chair for the Government Relations Committee. He currently serves as NAAOP's representative for the O&P Alliance. Mr. DeHarde received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Susquehanna University and a MBA in Finance from Saint Joseph University. Mr. DeHarde is an honorary member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. He is married and a father of two. He coaches basketball, soccer, and baseball and is active in his church community.
Former NAAOP President
Thomas Guth, CP, is the Chief Prosthetist for the RGP Prosthetic Research Center and the current President of NAAOP. With over thirty-five years of experience in the prosthetic industry, Mr. Guth dedicated his career to developing new ways to increase the quality of life and comfort of amputees. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/History from San Diego State University and later postgraduate courses in Prosthetics at New York University and University of California, Los Angeles, Mr. Guth went to work for his father at RGP Prosthetic Research Center. He was the founding Director of the California Orthotic and Prosthetic Association from 1978 - 1980, President of the California Orthotic and Prosthetic Association from 1980 - 1982, and is a founding member of NAAOP.
Tim McCarthy is the President and Chief Executive Officer of iWalk, Inc. Based in Cambridge, MA., iWalk is the developer of a portfolio of robotic devices which improve the quality of life for people afflicted with limb pathology. iWalks first product, the PowerFoot BiOM, is a bionic lower leg system with reflexive powered plantar flexion that simulates the action of the ankle, Achilles tendon and calf muscles by propelling the amputee upwards and forwards during each walking step. Tim has dedicated his entire twenty year career toward the development, commercialization and distribution of rehabilitation devices and services for people recovering from injuries and/or disease. His experience spans both public and private companies. Prior to becoming President and Chief Executive Officer at iWalk in December 2009, Tim held a variety of positions over ten years with Ossur Americas, a leader in prosthetic and orthopedic products. Tim earned his MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and his BS, with honors, from Northeastern University. He resides in Concord, MA with his wife Jennifer and son Nathan.
Chris Nolan is Vice President & General Manager of Endolite. Chris holds BA degrees in Political Science and History from Virginia Commonwealth University and worked in the Virginia House of Delegates. He has been in the field of O&P for over 12 years. Before joining Endolite Nolan worked for Johnson & Johnson Orthopedics and was a sales manager and sales director for Ossur and DJ Orthopedics. Chris is widely recognized by his peers and colleagues as a consummate professional and a dedicated steward of the O&P profession. His passion for the health care profession and amputees has guided his career. Outside of business, Nolan has helped create several fundraising programs and been involved in recruiting others to raise funds for charity. He lives in Springboro, OH with his wife Jenny and his children Daniel, Amelia, and Reagan.
John Register is the Associate Director, Community and Military Programs for the United States Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs, Colorado. John has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from the University of Arkansas. He was a three-time All-American in the NCAA long jump and 4x400 relay competitions. John served in the U.S. Army for six years and was honorably discharged in 1994. In 1994 John had a crippling injury that resulted in the amputation of his left leg. Though devastating, the amputation did not stop John. With a strong faith and the support of his wonderfully supportive wife Alice, he started his second career in pursing athletic excellence. Eighteen months later he competed in the 1996 Paralympic Games as a swimmer anchoring the 4x400 medley relay. Two years later he returned to his first love of track and field and qualified for the 2000 Paralympics Team that competed in Sydney Australia and he earned a Silver Medal as well as set an American record in the process while becoming one of two athletes in the world to have jumped further than 18 feet without a leg or knee. John's courage in the face of uncertainty has inspired audiences you and old. He has been featured on numerous television shows and print interviews. John remains active today with soldiers. He has been a civilian employee of the Army working as a Sports Specialist with the Army's World Class Athlete Program. John now manages the Paralympics Military Sport Program serving primarily those members of the Armed Forces who are injured in the war against terrorism. He also manages the Paralympics Academy Youth Outreach Program and in 2006 was appointed by Secretary of Stare Condolezza Rice as one of eight members to advise the Secretary on Foreign policy issues regarding disability.
Ivan R. Sabel, CPO, is Chairman of the Board of Directors, Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc., and Clinical instructor in orthopedics at Georgetown University Medical School in Washington, D.C. Mr. Sabel received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics from New York University in 1967, became a Certified Prosthetist in 1968 and a Certified Orthotist in 1970. He is a member of the Valley Forge Military Academy Board of Trustees, Treasurer of the American Physicians' Fellowship for Israel, Chairman of the American Board for the University of Haifa, Haifa Israel, member of New York University Parents Committee and Capital Campaign, member of the Economic Club of Washington, member of DJ Orthopedics Medical Advisory Board and member of the Strategic Planning Committee of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. He is a past President of the American Board of Certification in Prosthetics and former Chairman of the National Commission for Health Certifying. Mr. Sabel is a recipient of the 2000 Howard M. Rusk Humanitarian Award from the World Rehabilitation Fund and the 2000 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Healthcare.
Former NAAOP President
Jan Stokosa, CP, FAAOP Okemos, Michigan. Jan credits and honors his father, the late Walter J. Stokosa, CP, for guiding and mentoring him in Prosthetics. Initiated to prosthetics at age 7, Jan assisted his father in the fabrication laboratory of the private facility where his father was employed, then at the Prosthetic and Orthotic Department at the University of Michigan Hospital, which his father helped create. In 1967, Jan graduated first in his class from Northwestern University's pilot Prosthetist Practitioner Program, and joined his father in private practice. He was certified as a Clinical Prosthetist by the American Board for Certification in Prosthetics in 1969. In 1976, he co-founded the Institute for the Advancement of Prosthetics with William G. Barr, an above-knee amputee, in Lansing, Michigan. The purpose of this non-profit Institute was to provide the maximum possible contribution to the quality of life of amputees, serving those members of the amputee community who were unable to return to their day to day lives due to complications experienced from amputation surgery and prosthetic care. Jan has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors which include the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Distinguished Practitioner Award, the New Advancement Research Award from the Michigan Legislative Council for the Handicapped, the Outstanding Professional Award from the Michigan Rehabilitation Association, inducted in the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame for sponsoring, teaching, and organizing handicapped skiing in Michigan, an inductee in the 95th Congress of the United States for providing "model" professional care to amputees. Jan is a consultant to Private and institutional Prosthetic Clinical Facilities. He is a staunch supporter of new technology and techniques that assist amputees, regardless of the complexities they present. He continues to push for stringent education requirements and participates in many state and national committees to advocate for positive prosthetic rehabilitation legislation.
FormerNAAOP Vice President
Mark K. Taylor, MLS, CPO, FAAOP, is the former Director of Clinical & Technical Services at the University of Michigan Orthotics & Prosthetics Center. He also the former Vice President of NAAOP. He attended Brigham Young University for his under graduate work, University of Oklahoma for his graduate work, Rancho Los Amigos Hospital Orthotics Program for Orthotic Education, and Northwestern University Prosthetics Program for Prosthetic Education. Professional Organizations include the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics and the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists. Other distinctions include: Former Commissioner for the National Commission for Orthotic and Prosthetic Education, ABC Examiner, ABC Facility Accreditation Surveyor, two time Thranehardt Lecturer Award. Mr. Taylor is married, a father of four, and busy in local community/schools affairs/sports.
Rhonda Turner, PhD, JD, MBA, BOCPO, CFm- Rhonda Turner, PhD has certifications in prosthetics, orthotics and mastectomy fitting. She holds doctorates in psychology, naturopathic medicine (hon.) and law as well as advanced degrees in business and advertising. She is currently working on a Postdoctoral Certificate from the University of London in Chinese International Business Development.
Dr Turner has been an active participant in the DMEPOS industry leadership for 10 years, serving on several boards and committees. She is considered an industry expert on facility accreditation, and a recognized Quality Standards consultant regarding for the mastectomy industry.
In April of 2007, Rhonda founded the American Association of Breast Care Professionals. AABCP is a national member organization that advocates and lobbies for the post mastectomy industry.
She is an active speaker, lobbyist and writer. You may find her articles in INC magazine, O & P Business News and online at EZine and featured in The Edge and HME News. Her O & P Facility, The Prosthetic Center, is located in Houston Texas and has been featured on the Discovery Channel and Fox TV. The Prosthetic Center has been recognized for excellence in 2004 by the Inc 500, 2006 by the Stevie Awards, 2007 by NAWBO and is a 2006 and 2007 recipient of the Houston Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Women’s Businesses Award. This year The Prosthetic Center was listed as the 3rd fastest growing women-owned business by HBJ.
NAAOP's Executive Director
George W. Breece is the current and founding executive director of NAAOP. Since 1987, Mr. Breece has worked to preserve NAAOP's unique role as a trusted government relations advocate for professional O&P care. Mr. Breece's professional experience includes being a former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives; former chief lobbyist for Ted Turner, Turner Broadcasting System Inc., Washington DC; former Vice President of Special Projects for the National Cable Television Association. He is currently the host of a Monday morning talk show heard throughout southeastern North Carolina on radio station WFNC. He also moderates a local television show "Eye On The Community" for Time Warner Cable. Mr. Breece is very active in his hometown community of Fayetteville and is currently serving as the Chairman of the Cumberland County Society of Patriots, Chairman of the Air Quality and Land for Tomorrow Committee's for Cumberland County. He is a former Chairman of Military Affairs Council for the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce and is currently a member of their Board of Directors. Mr. Breece is a member of the Hay Street United Methodist Church and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Atlantic Christian College and served 3 years active duty in the United States Army Mortuary Branch.
NAAOP's General Counsel
Peter W. Thomas is a principal at the law firm of Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, P.C., a Washington, DC law firm specializing in health care and education. He focuses his practice on health care law, legislation and regulation, medical and vocational rehabilitation, and disability law and policy. He has served since 1991as general counsel to the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics (NAAOP), a national non-profit association of orthotic and prosthetic providers and routinely advises O&P businesses and practitioners on the billing, fraud and abuse, and regulatory requirements of Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurers. He routinely writes articles for industry publications and has been the lead attorney teaching an industry course on O&P compliance with federal and state health care laws. Mr. Thomas is admitted to practice law in New York State and Washington, D.C. and attended Boston College and Georgetown University Law Center.
Our Leaders Put the O&P Patient First
NAAOP's vision has always been to put the O&P patient's needs first. During our 20th year, NAAOP is celebrating the commitment, loyalty, and dedication of our volunteers, members, and staff. Their support has been generous and untiring. Celebrate with NAAOP by viewing our story on video, reading the NAAOP Director's commemorative message, and by viewing our photo history and list of founders and past presidents
