District X Candidates

District Chairperson Candidate

Professional titles

Managing partner and pediatrician, Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network, Dothan, Ala. 
Medical school and post-graduate education 
M.D., University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham

Residency program and fellowship  

Residency, Children’s Hospital of Alabama, Birmingham

Involvement in AAP or other organizations

National AAP:

• District X vice chair
• District Vice Chair committee chair
• Chapter Forum Management Committee, District X representative

AAP Alabama Chapter:

• Treasurer
• Vice president  
• President
• Pediatric Council representative and chair
• Practice Management Committee chair

Other involvement:

• Alabama Coordinated Health Network Southeast Region medical director (2020-present)
• Alabama Vaxcare medical director
• Governor’s Commission on Medicaid Reform and Pharmacy Reform Committee
• Multiple Alabama Chapter and AAP national leadership awards

What motivates you to seek this position?

I have deeply enjoyed serving families and pediatricians as District X vice chair. A clear mission has guided my career: improving child and family health while making pediatric practice more fulfilling. Through two decades of leadership — growing Alabama’s largest independent pediatric practice, pioneering NCQA PCMH recognition, and championing Medicaid advocacy — I have seen firsthand the headwinds our members face, including administrative burdens, financial pressures, and declining satisfaction in practice. As district chair, I will continue to collaboratively develop practical solutions, strengthen our collective voice, and restore the joy and long-term sustainability of pediatric practice for the next generation.

District Vice Chairperson Candidate

Professional titles

Owner/founder, Zest Pediatrics of St. Pete, opening August 2026; recently served as medical director, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Care Network and general pediatrician,

Johns Hopkins All Children’s

Medical school and post-graduate education

M.D., University of Miami School of Medicine

Residency program and fellowship

Residency and chief residency, Louisiana State University

Involvement in AAP or other organizations

• AAP Early Career Leadership Alliance chair
• AAP spokesperson
• AAP Section Forum Management Committee chair  
• AAP Florida Chapter Membership chair, Board of Directors (BOD) alternate regional representative, Legislative Committee, BOD regional representative
• AAP Committee on Federal Government Affairs liaison member
• AAP Reference Committee, Leadership Conference  
• Louisiana Chapter at-large board member and treasurer
• AAP Section on Young Physicians Executive Committee member and chair  
• AAP Section on Residents Executive Committee member
• American Board of Pediatrics Maintenance of Certification Assessment for Pediatrics Exam Writing and Pediatric Oversight Committee member

What motivates you to seek this position?

The past few years have been especially challenging for pediatricians, particularly in District X — but challenge also creates opportunity. As district vice chairperson, I hope to strengthen collaboration among chapters, unite members around shared advocacy goals, and promote physician safety and wellness. I also believe we must deepen connections between our district chapters and the AAP’s sections, councils and committees. Stronger partnerships with the newly created alliances will help chapters benefit from the expertise and passion of these members while also creating pathways to identify, mentor and develop future chapter leaders.

District Vice Chairperson Candidate

Professional titles

Pediatrician, Citrus Health Network, Hialeah, Miami, Fla.

Medical school and post-graduate education

M.D., New York Medical College, Valhalla, N.Y. 
M.P.H., Health Policy and Management, Florida International University 
M.B.A., University of Miami

Residency program and fellowship

Residency, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women, Orlando Regional

Involvement in AAP or other organizations

• AAP Chapter Forum Management Committee, District X
• AAP Florida Chapter immediate past president, president, vice president, and treasurer
• Florida Chapter Legislative Committee; Membership Committee, Mental Health Task Force; Immigrant Task Force, Child Abuse and Injury Prevention Committee
• AAP Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health
• AAP Community Access to Child Health facilitator
• The Children’s Trust board member  
• AAP Council on Community Pediatrics Executive Committee member
• Reach Out and Read (ROAR) Program physician champion, Florida Chapter  
• ROAR regional representative

What motivates you to seek this position?

My experience across multiple leadership roles has provided a broad and well-rounded understanding of the Academy. During my leadership in Florida, I focused particularly on member engagement and legislative advocacy. Working alongside dedicated pediatric leaders has been educational, inspiring and professionally rewarding. Challenging at times, but it’s my passion!

With decades of voluntary service, leadership experience, and strong engagement within the Academy, I feel prepared to serve as district vice chair. If elected, I will be present, responsive and fully committed to supporting the district and advancing the mission of the AAP on behalf of our members, children and families. 

National Nominating Committee Candidate

Professional titles

General pediatrician, East Cobb Pediatrics, Marietta, Ga.

Medical school and post-graduate education

M.D., Emory University School of Medicine

Residency program and fellowship

Pediatric residency, Emory

Involvement in AAP or other organizations

• AAP Georgia Chapter president
• Term as district representative, AAP Chapter Forum Management Committee
• AAP Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine past member
• Initial board chair, The Children’s Care Network  
• Former board chair, Kids Health First Pediatric Alliance

What motivates you to seek this position?

I welcome the opportunity to work with District X leaders to improve the health of children in our states/territory and support the pediatricians who serve them. The National Nominating Committee plays a crucial role in developing and recognizing AAP leaders at all levels.