Summary: Dr Raymond A. Cohlmia has resigned as executive director of the American Dental Association (ADA) effective immediately, with Dr Elizabeth Shapiro appointed as interim leader while the Board of Trustees searches for a permanent successor.

Key Takeaways:

  • During his tenure, Cohlmia oversaw significant initiatives, including a transformative business plan and the formation of the ADA Forsyth Institute.
  • The ADA Board of Trustees expressed gratitude for Cohlmia’s contributions and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the profession under new leadership.

Raymond A. Cohlmia, DDS, has resigned from his position as the American Dental Association (ADA) executive director, effective immediately, according to a press release from the association. Cohlmia has served in the role since November 2021.

According to the association, during his 4 years as executive director, Cohlmia oversaw the development of a transformative business plan, the integration of the Forsyth Institute—the world leader in oral health research—to form the ADA Forsyth Institute, and expanded collaborative relationships with dental academia and the dental industry.

“I am very proud of my tenure as ADA Executive Director and my love for the dental profession is unwavering,” Cohlmia said. “The ADA and the profession are synonymous and never should be separated. We have laid an incredible foundation to propel the ADA forward for the future. ADA members are committed to our professional values and to improving the lives of the people we serve every day. I am grateful for the incredible opportunity to have served and been part of the transformational change at the ADA. I’ve never been more excited about the future of the American Dental Association.”

“For more than 160 years, the ADA has promoted the art and science of dentistry, leading the way in innovations to improve oral health,” said Brett Kessler, DDS, ADA president. “Each executive director in our history, including Dr Cohlmia, has been instrumental to our success. The ADA Board of Trustees greatly appreciates Dr Cohlmia’s contributions to the Association during the course of his 30 plus-year career, including the past 4 years as executive director, and wishes him well.”

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The Board has named Elizabeth Shapiro, DDS, JD, as interim ADA executive director, and she will immediately assume leadership of ADA operations while the Board conducts a search for a successor to serve as executive director.

Shapiro earned her dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and her law degree from Northern Illinois University’s College of Law. She holds the designation of Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives and is a Fellow of both the American and International College of Dentists.

According to Kessler, “The ADA, guided by its vision and mission, is committed to forging the future of dentistry as the leading advocate for oral health.”

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