The American Orthotics and Prosthetics Association (AOPA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that its contract with Teri Kuffel, JD to serve as AOPA’s Interim Executive Director has been extended an additional six months to December 31, 2025.
Teri stepped into the role on January 1, 2025, following the resignation of AOPA’s previous Executive Director, Eve Lee, MBA, CAE. Over the past four months, Teri has effectively managed AOPA’s staff and daily operations while also increasing collaboration with the sister organizations and the association’s engagement with its members.
“As AOPA President, I have had the opportunity to communicate with Teri on a regular basis. Teri’s innate understanding of the O&P profession, her proven and passionate abilities as a state and national advocate, as well as her eight years of volunteer service on AOPA’s Board, collectively bring high value to the organization and its members,” said Rick Riley, AOPA President. “By extending her contract, we have created a longer runway for Teri to work with the Board and staff to align our programs, services, and strategies with the evolving needs and expectations of our members. By the end of summer, AOPA will have an updated strategic plan and refreshed vision for the future.”
As an attorney and co-owner of Arise Orthotics & Prosthetics in Minnesota, and as a former AOPA Board member, including Board President, Teri is a respected leader in the O&P profession. She has actively engaged in federal and state legislative advocacy work, including the passage of O&P licensure and So Every BODY Can Move initiatives in Minnesota.
With her background in law, organizational management, and O&P operations, Teri will continue to be an asset to AOPA as she leads the organization through this transition period. The Board is confident in her ability to maintain strong momentum and success in fulfilling AOPA’s 2025 goals and strategic objectives.
“The Board’s Executive Committee is exploring the timing and scope of our search for AOPA’s next Executive Director. We plan to communicate our recruitment plans to members in September, with the intention of having a permanent leader in place by the beginning of 2026,” said Riley.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact AOPA’s Director of Communications and Membership, Joy Klapp, at jklapp@AOPAnet.org.