“As a young department Administrator, I constantly asked myself, “How would a seasoned CAO approach this?” I needed peers who understood the unique challenges of orthopaedics—not just healthcare. That’s when I met Dr. Regis O’Keefe and Ron Faulbam during their visit to our Orthopaedic Center in Utah. Ron, a tenured CAO, recommended I connect with Mike Gagnon and get involved with AOC.
My first AOC meeting in Charleston was transformative. Every topic was relevant to my role, and I left with pages of notes I’d reference for years. But the real value was the relationships. I gained five career-changing mentors—CAOs from top programs—who guided me through critical leadership moments. Their advice gave me insight, credibility, and the confidence to lead.
Today, I run an international pediatric medical group, but I continue my AOC membership—not just to stay sharp for my orthopaedic teams, but because the network remains invaluable. The AOC shaped my career, enhanced my operations, and made me the leader I am today.
Thank you, Mike, for your vision. The AOC’s impact has been nothing short of tremendous.”
