March 21, 2015

APMA is pleased to announce that James R. Christina, DPM, has been confirmed as its new executive director and CEO. 

APMA is pleased to announce that James R. Christina, DPM, has been confirmed as its new executive director and CEO. Dr. Christina was selected after a lengthy national search process conducted by JDG Associates executive search firm and confirmed by the House of Delegates today during its annual meeting.

Dr. Christina will succeed Glenn B. Gastwirth, DPM, who has held the position for more than 17 years and has been a member of the APMA staff for more than 29 years. Dr. Gastwirth last year announced his plans to retire in May 2016.

Dr. Christina has a long history with APMA including a decade-long tenure on staff as director of Scientific Affairs. Before joining APMA staff, he was in private practice for 20 years in Rockville, MD, and was chief of Podiatry at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, MD. Dr. Christina was a member of the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association and served as president from 1991–1993. As an American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery-certified podiatrist, he was instrumental in achieving an expansion of the Maryland scope of practice for podiatrists to include ankle privileges. Dr. Christina was a delegate to the APMA House of Delegates from 1992–2005, a member of APMA’s Coding Committee, a PAC coordinator, and a member of the APMAPAC Board of Directors. He was president of the Maryland State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners and a member of the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. He is a member of the American Diabetes Association, the American Public Health Association, the American Society of Association Executives, and the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons.

Dr. Christina graduated magna cum laude from West Virginia University with a BA in Biology and received his doctor of podiatric medicine degree from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine (now Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine). He completed residency training at Straith Memorial Hospital in Southfield, MI, and University of Maryland/Lutheran Hospital in Baltimore.

“We are very pleased to have confirmed Dr. Christina as the next executive director and CEO,” said Frank Spinosa, DPM, APMA president and chair of the search committee. “In the judgment of the search committee and the board, Dr. Christina exemplifies the qualities we want in an executive director for years to come. He has experience as a practicing podiatrist and has shown exceptional ability in understanding and processing all aspects of membership issues. We thank Dr. Gastwirth for his outstanding service; he has been a true credit to podiatric medicine during his nearly 30-year tenure with APMA.”

“I am excited to begin a new chapter in my service to APMA and my profession,” said Dr. Christina. “As CEO, I will work closely with the board, member volunteers, and staff to ensure that we continue our progress on the Pathway to Parity and achieve the goals of our membership.”

“Dr. Christina is well-suited to lead APMA into a bright future,” said Dr. Gastwirth. “I am highly confident in Jim’s ability to lead APMA and our profession to greater heights, and I will do everything possible to ensure that the transition to his administration is as smooth and effective as possible. I am honored to have played a role in building what is today an exceptionally strong, innovative, and effective national organization. I look forward to watching its progress in years to come as I enjoy time with my family.”

Dr. Gastwirth will remain with APMA during the transition, which is expected to begin this spring.