The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) is pleased to announce that Teri Kuffel, JD has been appointed to serve as Executive Director by the AOPA Board of Directors.
Kuffel, who has served as Interim Executive Director since January, received unanimous support from the Board. She has proven her ability to provide strong and passionate leadership that is built on her nearly three decades of experience in the orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) profession. During her eight years of service on the AOPA Board, including her role as President from 2022-2023, she consistently and passionately demonstrated her commitment to AOPA’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities, always striving to bring more value to its members. She is recognized as an effective legislative advocate and collaborator who has nurtured relationships with the leaderships of O&P associations and businesses, as well as state and national legislators.
“These past six months Teri has continuously demonstrated her innate ability to engage with sister organizations and AOPA members. Her leadership during this transition has been steady, strategic, and forward-looking,” said Rick Riley, President of AOPA. “Teri is a business leader who has real-world experience in the daily operations of an O&P clinic. I am confident our decision to choose Teri to guide AOPA through its next chapter of growth and impact will be widely supported by O&P providers and suppliers, as well as our sister organizations including those that comprise the O&P Alliance.”
Kuffel earned her juris doctorate from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, MN. She co-founded and has served as Vice President of Arise Orthotics & Prosthetics, a longtime AOPA member in Minnesota. She has also served on the boards of the Minnesota Society of Orthotists, Prosthetists, and Pedorthists and Wiggle Your Toes (amputee nonprofit), leading grassroots advocacy initiatives that helped achieve legislative wins benefiting patients and O&P providers in her home state. For ten years she has also dedicated her time to educate the next generation of clinicians as a business and legal ethics instructor for the Master of Science in O&P at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN.
As Executive Director, Kuffel will lead AOPA’s efforts in advancing public policy, education, and member engagement — ensuring the association remains the leading voice for the O&P profession across the United States.
“It is my honor and privilege to serve this profession that has given me so much,” said Kuffel. “I am grateful for the trust of the Board and excited to continue working alongside our members, partners, and staff to strengthen the future of O&P.”
For more information about AOPA’s leadership and strategic priorities, visit www.AOPAnet.org.
Contact: Joy Klapp at jklapp@AOPAnet.org