Committees
Want to be more involved with your profession?
OAPA relies heavily on volunteers and several committees. Below are the descriptions and current projects for each. If you are interested in joining a committee or other volunteer opportunities, contact the Chairperson below. All are invited to get involved!
Communications Committee
Committee Description
The Communications Committee serves as the editorial board for the Association’s website, electronic newsletter, and social media platforms. Members of the communications committee have periodic conference calls and digital meetings to discuss committee goals and delegate tasks. It is the responsibility of the communications committee to have an active presence in the OAPA, and to maintain the most up to date information to be relayed out to association constituents. In addition to maintaining the website, the committee also upholds a rigorous social media presence. Follow the OAPA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Snapchat for the most up to date policy information for PAs practicing in Ohio, for live conference video posts, the latest buzz on what is going on in your region, and so much more! If you are interested in volunteering with the Communications Committee email Michal Sittek PA-C. at oapa@ohiopa.com Attn: Michal Sittek.
Chairperson: Michal Sittek, PA-C
Diversity Committee
Committee Description
Vision: To uphold and encourage different ideas, promote continuing education, foster connections, and instill professionalism.
“Mission: The OAPA diversity committee strives to promote a culture of respect, inclusivity and equity within the PA community to highlight the differences that make us unique. The committee will create ongoing dialogue that encourages and enables PAs to provide the best care possible to all populations. Events, research spotlights and newsletter updates are ways we connect with our members and students”.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Diversity Committee email Karen Roane PA-C at oapa@ohiopa.com Attn: Karen Roane.
Chairperson: Karen Roane, MHA,MPAS,PA-C
Education Committee
Committee Description
The Conference Committee works to provide quality, cost-effective, CME conferences for OAPA members that include quality educational content, qualified presenters and relevant vendors/sponsors. The committee is also responsible for the coordination of poster abstract presentations. The OAPA office will ask for volunteers in our monthly newsletter several month's prior to conference events planning. Be sure to keep an eye out for our email or feel free to contact the OAPA office.
Chairperson: Adrian Gorzitze-Maxey, PA-C
Government Affairs Committee
Committee Description
The Governmental Affairs Committee is actively involved at the state and national levels. This Committee works in collaboration with OAPA lobbyists and AAPA to write new statues and law language that will allow the PA Profession to continue to grow. It is their duty to be informed with legislation that could impact PA practice and to act when appropriate to inform the Board and take action when necessary. If you are interested in volunteering with the Governmental Affairs Committee email Josanne Pagel.
Chairperson: Josanne Pagel, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, Karuna®RMT
Membership Committee
Committee Description
The membership committee serves many purposes. The primary purpose involves engaging it's current members. It is also responsible for the recruitment and retention of OAPA members as well as engagement of PA Students. The membership committee works closely with the Communications Committee. The committee is also involved in reviewing of awards and provides support and input to office staff. If you are interested in volunteering with the Membership Committee email oapa@ohiopa.com.
Chairperson: Teresa D'Alessandro, PA-C
Public Affairs Committee
Committee Description
This committee is responsible for providing public information related to the PA profession. The executive director will collaborate with the committee to complete assigned tasks.
Chairperson: Michell McDiffett, PA-C
Reimbursement Committee
Committee Description
The OAPA Reimbursement Committee advocates on behalf of Physician Assistants to improve State and Federal reimbursement policy pertaining to the PA profession. The Committee is available to educate hospital administrators, physicians, and other healthcare personnel regarding the current regulatory environment and how healthcare establishments can receive payment for services rendered by a Physician Assistant. Physician Assistants are enrolled as healthcare providers by Medicaid, Medicare and reimbursed by private third-party insurers alike. The OAPA Reimbursement Committee works toward expanding a PAs ability to be paid for their services. If you are interested in volunteering with the Reimbursement Committee email Clayton Rotuno, PA-C.
Chairperson: Clayton Rotuno, PA-C
Student Affairs Committee
Committee Description
The Student Affairs Committee is constantly organizing events and thinking of ways to actively engage PA students with the emphasis of student involvement in the OAPA. This committee includes both practicing PAs and students. We are always open to fresh ideas and insights that can allow this committee to grow and aid in student involvement. If you are interested in volunteering with the Student Affairs Committee email oapa@ohiopa.com.
Chairperson: Tyler Fizgerald, PA-C
