ALEXANDRIA, VA—The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) board of directors and Catherine Carter, Executive Director, are pleased to announce the appointment of Debbie Ayres as the new Director of Public Relations and Marketing effective April 7, 2009.
“I am so pleased that Debbie has joined the ABC staff. She brings a wealth of experience that will drive the ABC public relations and marketing initiatives forward,” said Carter. “Debbie’s knowledge of the PR and marketing profession will assist us as we develop new programs that further ABC’s mission. She will be working on all program aspects as we seek to communicate the importance of ABC credentials.”
Ayres’ immediate responsibilities include working to launch the new ABC website as well as to help unify the message that ABC is the premier credentialing body for the orthotics, prosthetics and pedorthics profession. Ayres long-term goals for the department are working to strengthen ABC’s partnerships in the orthotics, prosthetics and pedorthics profession and determine a future marketing direction to establish the importance of the high standards that ABC credentialed individuals and accredited facilities possess.
“I am thrilled that ABC was able to recruit someone of Debbie’s caliber,” Robert Lin, CPO, FAAOP, President of ABC’s board of directors, stated. “Bringing her on board will enable ABC to most effectively get its message out to the entire health care arena and she reflects our commitment to disseminating the ABC message.”
Ayres brings to ABC extensive management and leadership experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors. Before joining ABC, she served as the Senior Director, Membership, Marketing and Communications for the American Composites Manufacturers Association. Earlier in her career, Ayres spent 13 years with the Print Services and Distribution Association, where she worked her way up from the Director, Society for Service Professionals in Printing to Vice President, Membership, Marketing and Education.
“I am very excited to be part of the future of ABC and look forward to raising awareness of the excellence in standards and the superiority of ABC’s credentialing and accreditation programs,” Ayres said.
Ayres replaces Tom Derrick who left ABC in January 2009 to join the Milwaukee-based diabetic footwear manufacture, Dr. Comfort.