AAP announces new executive director, CEO

The AAP announced today that Karen Remley, MD, MBA, MPH, FAAP, will become the executive director and CEO of the organization after the upcoming retirement of Errol R. Alden, MD, FAAP.

Karen Remley

Remley is the chief medical director of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia. She served as commissioner of health for the Commonwealth of Virginia from 2008 to 2012. In this role, Remley advised the governor on public health issues and oversaw a $560 million budget and 4,000 employees. During this time, the state experienced significant improvements in public health issues including teenage pregnancy, infant mortality and cardiovascular disease.

Remley also has held leadership positions at several health care organizations, including Operation Smile, Physicians for Peace, and Sentara Healthcare, according to an AAP press release.

Alden, who has held the position of AAP executive director and CEO for 11 years, will retire in July, when Remley will become the first woman to serve in that role.

Sandra G. Hassink

“After an extensive national search, Dr. Remley’s unique qualifications and management experience were the right combination to build on success of the Academy and lead us forward,” AAP President Sandra G. Hassink, MD, FAAP, said in the release. “Dr. Remley is a pediatrician with a broad background and experience in many aspects of the health care system. We are delighted to welcome her as our CEO.”