Teri Kuffel, JD

Teri Kuffel, JD, serves as Executive Director of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA). Before becoming Executive Director, Teri served eight years on the AOPA Board of Directors, including as President from 2022 to 2023. Prior to her board work, she also served on various AOPA committees including state representatives, veteran’s affairs and government relations. Teri’s leadership in advocacy and policy earned her AOPA’s Ralph R. “Ronney” Snell, CPO, FAAOP, Legislative Advocacy Award in 2015 for her unwavering commitment to advancing the O&P profession. 

In addition to her national leadership, Teri has served on the boards of the Minnesota Society of Orthotists, Prosthetists and Pedorthists and Wiggle Your Toes, a nonprofit supporting individuals with limb loss. She also shared her expertise for ten years teaching courses in ethics and compliance and business practice management for the Master’s program in Prosthetics & Orthotics at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. 

As a founding co-owner of Arise Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc. in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, Teri has more than 25 years of experience in the business practice management of orthotics and prosthetics. Since entering the profession in 1999, she has specialized in contract, compliance, human resources, and organizational management. Teri earned her Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota.