American Chiropractic Association announces new CEO

September 16, 2013 — American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has selected James G. Potter as its chief executive officer. He joins ACA in mid-September, replacing Bill O’Connell.

“Jim is an experienced leader with a proven track record of results,” said ACA President Keith Overland, DC. “The Board was impressed not only by his broad management experience with national healthcare professional associations and proven advocacy expertise, but also with his passion for our mission. We are confident that Jim will be invaluable to ACA’s success in its efforts to advance the ability of doctors of chiropractic to provide patients with access to high-quality, cost-effective care.”

“It is an honor to have this opportunity to serve the smart, compassionate, and innovative professionals who comprise ACA’s membership,” said Potter. “I am thrilled to join the top-notch ACA staff team, and look forward to working with the members, Board, staff and the chiropractic profession to make a difference in the health and lives of patients and their families.”

Potter is coming from the American Academy of Physician Assistants, representing more than 90,000 PAs, where he served as senior vice president and interim CEO. Previously, he directed government relations at the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Under his leadership, ASHA was recognized by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) with its highest honor — The Summit Award — for its efforts to advance early detection and intervention for children with hearing loss.

In addition, Potter directed advocacy programs for the American College of Radiology, where he was awarded the FDA Commissioner’s Special Citation for coordinating a consensus approach on federal quality and coverage guidelines for mammography. He also worked for the American Medical Association helping to establish multi-specialty initiatives, such as the Relative-Value Update Committee (RUC). Potter has served on a number of nonprofit boards and currently is the chairman of the Loudoun County (VA) Parks and Recreation Board.

He holds a master’s degree in public policy and an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.

The recruitment process was carefully executed by a search committee headed by ACA Board of Governors Chairman Michael Simone, DC, with the assistance of Summit Search Solutions Inc., a respected executive recruitment firm. After an extensive nationwide search, the committee recommended several high caliber candidates for consideration before selecting Potter as its final choice.

Source: American Chiropractic Association