Melinda Waite has been named the new Executive Director of the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA), effective July 1, 2020. MAPA is managed by Association Acumen, an award-winning accredited association management firm based in Menomonee Falls, WI. Waite succeeds Elizabeth Schlicht, CAE, who has been Executive Director since 2018.
Melinda Waite has a proven track record in growing and engaging membership and educational programming for medical associations. Melinda has strong experience in creating and refining processes and procedures to strengthen the impact of programs. Melinda holds a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Winona State University in Minnesota. “I am thrilled to join MAPA in the role of Executive Director,” Waite said. “I am learning how passionate and collaborative these medical professionals are and am excited to work with the Board to carry out their strategic goals while increasing their visibility within Minnesota healthcare.”
The Minnesota Academy of PAs (MAPA) promotes the professional and personal development of Minnesota PAs (physician assistants). With over 880 members, the Academy provides the membership with representation at the local, state, and national levels, advocacy, educational opportunities, and public relations, to promote quality, cost-effective, accessible health care for every person. MAPA’s advocacy work has recently culminated in a legislative victory removing multiple barriers to practice for PAs in MN.
Association Acumen is an award-winning, accredited full-service association management company headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, providing staff support for state, national and international professional associations, including the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies, the Society for Mucosal Immunology, the Ophthalmic Anesthesia Society, the Automotive Fleet and Leasing Association, the National Vehicle Leasing Association, the International Association of Special Investigation Units, the Indiana Academy of Physician Assistants, the New York State Society of Physician Assistants, the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants and the Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants. Association Acumen was named to the Future 50 company list by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce. The program recognizes companies in the Milwaukee area with significant revenue and employment growth. Acumen services include: membership management, governance, financial management, website and database integration, meeting and convention management, legislative advocacy, communications and strategic planning. For more information about Association Acumen, visit www.associationacumen.com. For more information about MAPA, visit www.minnesotapa.org.