Leading association for foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons announces new executive director

Rosemont, Ill. (May 30, 2017) – The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society®, the leading organization for lower extremity medicine and foot and ankle surgery, has welcomed Elaine L. Leighton, MPH, CAE, as the next executive director of the AOFAS and the Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation.

“AOFAS is the pre-eminent orthopaedic foot and ankle professional society and is fortunate to have so many engaged members along with a committed staff,” Leighton said. “I am excited to take on this new role to serve all AOFAS members.” 

Leighton joined the AOFAS in 2012 and has held several roles in the Society, including Foot & Ankle International® managing editor, director of education, and deputy executive director. She had been serving as interim executive director since March 2017. 

“Elaine has done an outstanding job as the interim executive director and has effectively navigated the challenges of that role throughout this transition,” said AOFAS President Jeffrey E. Johnson, MD. “She is uniquely qualified to lead the AOFAS, having worn many ‘hats’ over her five years at the Society.” 

Leighton holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in human development and social policy from Northwestern University. She earned her Certified Association Executive credential in 2015. Prior to joining the AOFAS, Leighton worked for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for 17 years. 

“With her calm, confident demeanor and high level of professionalism, Elaine is the ideal person to build upon our Society’s successes and further our standing as the global leader in foot and ankle orthopaedics,” Dr. Johnson added. “The Board of Directors and I look forward to making great strides as an organization under Elaine’s leadership.” 
 
About the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
As the professional organization of foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons, the AOFAS promotes quality, ethical, and cost-effective patient care through education, research, and training of orthopaedic surgeons and other healthcare providers. The Society creates public awareness for the prevention and treatment of foot and ankle disorders and serves as a resource for government and industry as well as the national and international healthcare communities. For more information, visit www.aofas.org. 

About Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons
Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Their education and training consists of four years of medical school, five years of postgraduate training, and often a fellowship year of specialized foot and ankle surgical training. Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons treat patients of all ages, performing reconstructive procedures, treating sports injuries, and managing foot and ankle trauma. 

Contact
Jessica Dornfeld
Marketing Communications Manager
Office: 847-430-5094
jdornfeld@aofas.org