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History and Mission

The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) is a nonprofit organization, a 501(c) (3) public charity, established and incorporated in January 1995 by the former Orthotics and Prosthetics National Office. The Orthotics and Prosthetics National Office is now three separate organizations including The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) and The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC). Each of these organizations still supports OPAF through both financial and in-kind support. OPAF was initially dedicated to providing financial and in-kind support to the 1996 Paralympics, OPAF now generates its own initiatives through partnerships with individuals, organizations, and institutions engaged in:

OPAF aims primarily to enable individuals served by the orthotics and prosthetics community to enjoy the rewards of personal achievement, physical fitness, and social interaction.

In achieving this goal, OPAF also seeks to:

From 1996-2005, the core operations and programs of OPAF have been made possible through generous contributions from the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP), ABC, and American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA). Since that time we have generated our own funding from both within and outside the orthotic and prosthetic community to support our programs and initiatives.

OPAF's logo reflects recognition and appreciation of this longstanding support. Three stars - representing AAOP, ABC, and AOPA - crown the main star, which represents the individuals served by OPAF. The two stars flanking the main star represent the allied fields of orthotics and prosthetics.

Growth of OPAF and its programs depends on the generosity of all contributors who share our commitment to enhance the quality of life for all individuals with disabilities. We welcome your support. All financial and in-kind donations to these events are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by U.S. law. We welcome your support through the following initiatives. Thank you!

Incorporation

OPAF is a nonprofit organization, a 501(c) (3) public charity, incorporated in the state of Delaware. Our incorporation papers are on file at 536 Sunset Road, Waterloo, Iowa 50701. A copy of this document is available upon request.

Certificate of Authority

OPAF holds a valid certificate of authority to transact business in Pennsylvania.

Memberships

OPAF holds a Disability Organization Membership of the Amputee Coalition of America (www.amputee-coalition.org). The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) is a national, non-profit amputee consumer educational organization representing people who have experienced amputation or are born with limb differences. The ACA includes individual amputees, amputee education and support groups for amputees, professionals, family members and friends of amputees, amputation or limb loss related agencies, and organizations.

OPAF is also an Organizational Member of the United States Tennis Association (www.usta.com) as a Community Tennis Association in conjunction with our nationally recognized adaptive tennis program, First Volley™.

Governance and Board of Directors

A Board of Directors governs OPAF according to bylaws written in 1995 and revised in subsequent years.

The 2011 - 2012 Board, effective 12/15/2011, includes:

Officers

Michael Burton – OPAF PresidentMichael Burton
Michael Burton has served the orthotic and prosthetic community for over 30 years. He has served in various roles in O & P distribution, manufacturing, and member services. He has extensive experience in management, sales, and marketing. Burton is currently a consultant for O&P businesses and associations.
Burton has a long history of volunteer work within the O & P community. He is a member of the board of directors for the Center for Orthotic and Prosthetic Learning (COPL) and has been a member of the Assembly Committee for the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) and served as its Exhibits Chairman. Burton is also a member of the Industry Advisory Council for O & P Business News and writes a blog for their website and contributes articles to the publication. He also served previously as a member of the Amputee Coalition Brand Work Group. He has served on the board for the Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) for eight years collectively and is currently serving his third term as president, having previously served in that role from 2005-2007. Additionally, Burton has served as a member of the board of directors for the Midwest Chapter of the Academy and the Industry Advisory Council for Endocrine Today. He also served as an on-site volunteer for ABC CPM exams for several years. Burton has also volunteered locally for the Junior Achievement program teaching business classes to middle school students and as a member of their annual fundraising committee. Burton holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and is a frequent speaker on business topics at state, regional, national, and international O & P meetings and at universities offering master's programs in O&P.


Scott Williamson, MBA, CAE – OPAF Vice President
Scott Williamson, MBA, CAE, is President of Quality Outcomes, Inc., a company dedicated to establishing a consensus building approach to identify broad-based O&P outcomes data to identify and teach professional best practices. He just celebrated his 20th year in the nonprofit community and stated the following when asked about OPAF "I believe OPAF has really just scratched the surface of possibility for what it can do. Under its current leadership, OPAF is touching lives and providing opportunities for people with O&P needs and helping to increase public awareness of the issues faced by the O&P community."
Scott has worked in professional certification since 1992, and most recently worked for the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) from 2002 - 2010 as the Director of Facility Accreditation. He was the Director of Facility Accreditation and played a key role in establishing and maintaining the national standards for quality O&P care. Scott has been a key liaison between the O&P profession and CMS during the development of the CMS Quality Standards and their mandatory accreditation program. He is currently the Chairperson of the Healthcare Knowledge Taskforce of the American Society of Association Executives, a member of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and a member of the National Quality Forum. In 1995, Scott earned his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Richmond and his undergraduate degree is in Management Economics from Hampden~Sydney College. While earning his MBA, Scott worked for MWH MediCorp (a hospital holding Corp.) where he developed and maintained billing and performance data and was responsible for corporate safety and security. In 2005 Scott earned his Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Scott is a frequent speaker on DMEPOS accreditation processes and standards, the CMS Quality Standards, and also speaks about how pending regulations and developments in the delivery of care are transforming the profession. Scott, his wife, Colleen and daughter Nicole live in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Lisa Arbogast – Treasurer
Lisa Arbogast is a Managing Director for a well know family owned prosthetics manufacturer- WillowWood. This is her second term as an OPAF officer. She has worked in the P&O industry for 20 years, and has volunteered for non-profits such as Children's Hospital, Mt. Sterling Community Center and the Golden Eagle Youth Association. She possesses a strong desire to help "heal the bodies, hearts, and minds of amputees across the world", and is proud to do so through the Orthotics and Prosthetics Assistance Fund.


Don Hardin – OPAF Immediate Past President
Don Hardin returns to the OPAF Board of Directors as one of the founding fathers of OPAF. His stellar career in O & P speaks volumes. Don currently serves as the Director of Trade, Payor and Government Relations for Otto Bock Heath Care. Within the O & P industry, there are few positions that Don has not held. He has served AOPA (American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association) as Exhibits Chairman, National Assembly Chairman, Business Procedure and Date Committee Chairman, Marketing Committee Chairman, AOPA Secretary-Treasurer, Vice President, President-Elect, President and Immediate Past President, Chairman of the 1996 Paralympic Initiative, as well as a previous President of OPAF. He is also the recipient of the AOPA Lifetime Achievement Award. "OPAF has always occupied a sweet spot in my heart. As the original enabler, I have watched it grow from a concept to reality and a powerful source for good in the O & P community. When asked this time to serve on the board, I didn't hesitate a moment. I have few years left to serve a profession I have enjoyed for 42 years and what better way to end a career?" says Hardin.


Directors

Stacey Minton
Stacey Minton comes to the OPAF Board of Directors as the Creator and Developer of the Adaptive Scuba Instructor Course for Scuba Schools International. She has been teaching Scuba Diving since 1993 and was inducted as a Platinum Pro 5000 Instructor in 2007. As Instructor Certifier and coordinator of adaptive scuba events, she is working with other non profit organizations to get people with physical disabilities to dive with able bodied divers. She is also a Health Fitness instructor with the "American College of Sports Medicine" which works closely with physicians and physical therapists during rehabilitation programs. She and her husband, Si, own and operate New Mexico Scuba Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Stacey is also very involved with Dive Pirates Foundation, based out of Houston, Texas as the Director of Training. Stacey will bring both her focus on adaptive diving and her skills with the physically challenged population to the board. "I believe that a person with a physical disability should be able to enjoy activities without a 'handicapped label'. We adapt the sport to the diver and not the diver to the sport. I would like to see more doors open up and give those individuals a chance to at least experience what it is like to be free," says Minton.

Brooke Artesi
Brooke Artesi comes to the OPAF Board of Directors as both an O & P practitioner and an amputee athlete. Brooke is both a licensed Orthotist and a CPed and is currently enrolled in the distant learning curriculum for prosthetics at the Newington Certificate Program for orthotics and prosthetics. She also holds a BS in Biology from Rutgers University and an AAS in Fine Arts from FIT. Brooke also serves on the Board of Directors for No Limits Limb Loss Association and serves as a volunteer counselor to them as well as serving as a board member of the New Jersey Board of Examiners in Orthotics & Prosthetics. She is also a Certified Peer Visitor for the Amputee Coalition of America. As an amputee athlete, Brooke finished 3rd in the kayak competition of the 2008 Extremity Games and is an avid fan and participant of the OPAF First Volley Tennis Program. "The organized structure of OPAF and its nationwide presence allows amputees to participate in activities with their peers that would otherwise not be possible," says Brooke.

Molly Cooper, CPO, LPO
Molly Cooper, CPO, LPO joined the OPAF Board of Directors in 2010. Molly is on the teaching staff of her alma mater, the University of Washington School of Prosthetics and Orthotics. Prior to her teaching positions, Molly served as the Director of Clinical Education for SPS in Alpharetta, Georgia. She has also practiced in Seattle, WA and Louisville, KY, serving patients of all ages in settings from Harborview Medical Center (the only level one trauma hospital in three states) to Shriners Hospital for Children and in private practice. Molly has been an active volunteer for OPAF and the First Clinics with McKeever's First Ride and First Swing Clinics. She is also a volunteer for ABC and served as a clinical instructor for the Masters in Prosthetics & Orthotics program at Georgia Institute of Technology and at the University of Washington.

Marybeth Aveni
Marybeth Aveni is the National Accounts Manager for Mindworks Communications, a division of Slack, Incorporated and comes to the OPAF board with a lifelong involvement with athletics. She is currently working with industry magazine "O & P Business News" at Slack and has found a sense of community in the O & P world. Marybeth looks forward to working closely with the OPAF Board Members in a driven effort to maintain the goals of OPAF.


Justina S Shipley CO, BOCPO, MEd, FAAOP
Ms. Justina Shipley CO FAAOP has been employed at Shriners Hospitals for Children since 2004 and is presently employed as Director of Orthotics and Prosthetics at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Shreveport, LA. She is a certified orthotist/prosthetist and licensed prosthetist/orthotist with over 20 years of experience in the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics with children and adults. She received her Bachelors of Science in Health at Illinois State University, her Certificate in Orthotics and Prosthetics from Shelby State Community College in Memphis, TN, and her Masters in Education at University of Phoenix and is currently working on her PhD in human services. Ms. Shipley belongs to several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, the Association of Children's Prosthetic-Orthotic Clinics, and the Board of Certification Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics. She is active in her state organization (LAOP) where she has served on the executive board as program coordinator since 2008 and is currently president for the 2010-12 term. She also previously served on the advisory board for OPAF. Justina has published material in the JPO, the JNLCP and does presentations on various topics in the field for many educational institutions, national meetings and several community groups. She enjoys outdoor activities and leads a Boy Scout Troop in Benton, LA as Scoutmaster with her husband and three boys. She is also is an active member in the local DAR chapter and helps with local youth leadership training initiatives.

Bruce JasterBruce Jaster
Bruce Jaster of Dallas, Texas brings his background as a successful marketer and market analyst to the OPAF Board of Directors. Bruce has been linked to the orthotic and prosthetic community for the last 25 years as a below knee amputee, as a result of trauma. He is a founding member of the Dallas Amputee Network, one of the nation's oldest and most active amputee support groups as well as a serving previously on the Amputee Coalition of America's board of directors. He is also a strong advocate of using technology and social media to build communications and support networks for amputees and others with differing abilities. "OPAF's growth and evolution have established it as a significant force within our community. But there is so much more that can and should be done to improve the quality of life for those with physical disabilities".

Tami JonesTammy Jones
Tami Jones, President and owner of OpalStar Strategies, an independent consulting firm for O & P facilities and their staff, joins the OPAF Board of Directors following much volunteer work for OPAF & The First Clinics. Tami has been a familiar face at the Thranhardt Golf Classics as well as the First Bid, Live and Silent Auction events. Tami has over 23 years of working in the orthotics and prosthetics community and believes that her involvement with the countless patients, practitioners and supporting community of O & P has played a huge part in the person she is today. "I am thankful and blessed to have experienced the positive influence of seeing so many strong and courageous people accomplish their goals with the help and support of the caring and skilled individuals in our industry".

OPAF Executive Director

Robin BurtonRobin Burton
Robin Burton, OPAF Executive Director, has brought years of administrative experience, and her personality to OPAF, along with a genuine desire to work towards health and fitness programs for those we serve. The First Clinics are doing just that. She has held the position of Executive Director since May of 2005. Robin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Coker College in Hartsville, SC and has 17 years of funeral home management on her resume along with serving as Customer Service Manager for a prosthetics manufacturer. Robin has held leadership positions in both community organizations as well as professional groups, both inside and outside of O & P. OPAF's visibility at state and regional meetings has greatly increased under Robin's leadership as well as the development of the First Clinics. "The reality of OPAF's mission comes to us so many times and in so many ways...to help to bring anyone with a physical challenge back to a life style level that they may enjoy. We are working to remain vital and integral not only to the O & P industry, but also to the people that we serve."

The OPAF Advisory Board

The Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund, Inc. Advisory Board is comprised of individuals who have been invited to participate in the ongoing work of OPAF. Each member possesses a special talent or field of interest which is a vital part of the volunteer aspect of OPAF. While no formal meetings are held for the OPAF Advisory Board, they each serve to further our programs, our mission and our goals.

The 2012 OPAF Advisory Board Members include:

Standards of Excellence and Conflict of Interest Policy Statement

OPAF operates according to the best practices described in Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector. This publication is © 1998 Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations.

To the end of upholding best practice in nonprofit organization management, the OPAF Board of Directors expects every member of the Board, as well as every OPAF staff member and volunteer, to sign and abide by the organization's conflict of interest policy, and in so doing, avoid situations that create even the appearance or perception of a conflict of interest. A copy of the OPAF conflict of interest policy is available here.

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Service on the OPAF Board of Directors

The Executive Committee of OPAF, as the organization's nominating committee, coordinates nominations to the OPAF Board of Directors, presenting these nominations to the entire OPAF Board each fall.

The required nomination form is available here in Adobe format.

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Nominees should have appropriate background, a history of 501(c)(3) nonprofit committee/ volunteer work alongside a familiarity with and dedication to fundraising, and a strong commitment to OPAF's primary mission: enable individuals with physical disabilities - especially those served by members of the O&P community - to enjoy the rewards of personal achievement, physical fitness, and social interaction.

Responsibilities of each member of OPAF's Board of Directors are these, among others:

Copyright © OPAF® 2006-2012
Last update: 12/21/2011