AOPA names interim executive director

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The American Orthotics and Prosthetics Association (AOPA) board of directors has announced that Teri Kuffel, JD, will serve as interim executive director effective Jan. 1. 

AOPA’s current executive director, Eve Lee, is resigning effective Jan. 22 to become CEO of the Society of Interventional Radiology. 

As interim executive director, a six-month term, Kuffel, who is also vice president and co-owner of Arise Orthotics & Prosthetics in Minnesota, will guide AOPA through this transition in leadership, working with the board of directors and staff to ensure continuity in the administration of AOPA’s programs and services. 

“The board of directors unanimously approved the appointment of Teri Kuffel to serve a six-month term as we initiate and complete a diligent search for AOPA’s next executive director,” said Rick Riley, AOPA president. “I had the privilege to serve on the board with Teri the past eight years, and she has earned the respect and appreciation of AOPA’s board, staff, and the members. Serving as Immediate Past-President throughout 2024, Teri has been involved in our budget and planning activities that defined AOPA’s scope of work and priorities for 2025. Her proven leadership, integrity, expertise, and passion made her an ideal and obvious candidate to temporarily step into this role.” 

Kuffel previously served on AOPA’s board of directors for eight years, including president from December 2022 to November 2023. Throughout her many years of volunteer service, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic insight and a passion for advocacy and advancing the goals of AOPA, the organization says.