Dear Members and Valued Stakeholders,

The American Association of Medical Assistants® (AAMA) is writing to share an important leadership transition and honor an extraordinary legacy of service.

Mr. Donald A. Balasa, JD, MBA, will transition from his role as CEO to full-time legal counsel effective July 31, 2026. Effective August 1, 2026, Annie Storey, MS, CAE, will assume the role of chief staff executive for the AAMA. She will continue to hold the title of executive director.

Mr. Balasa’s impact on the AAMA and the medical assisting profession is profound. Over the course of 40 years of dedicated service—as both CEO and legal counsel—he has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s legal, public policy, and strategic direction. His leadership has strengthened the profession’s national standing, safeguarded its integrity, and ensured that the AAMA remains a trusted authority in an evolving health care landscape. His unwavering commitment, deep expertise, and tireless advocacy have left an enduring legacy that will continue to benefit the profession for years to come.

In his role as legal counsel, Mr. Balasa will continue to monitor and assist the AAMA with the growing complexity of and changes to the health care industry that affect the medical assisting profession and the AAMA. This strategic shift in Mr. Balasa’s role will allow for essential focus on legal issues, which will contribute to positioning the AAMA as a leader in the profession.

Ms. Storey brings a wealth of experience working with organizations, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of the AAMA’s mission, priorities, and strategic direction. As executive director and chief staff executive, she will lead operations—including overseeing staff and member services, providing vital leadership and helping the AAMA find opportunities for growth, continuity, and sustainability. Her background in association management, membership services, and volunteer development is positioned to strategically elevate our organization. She will work closely with Mr. Balasa to ensure a seamless transition and continued organizational excellence.

The AAMA is confident that this leadership structure—combining the strength of Mr. Balasa’s continued legal expertise and Ms. Storey’s executive leadership—positions the organization to effectively navigate the increasingly complex health care industry while advancing and protecting the medical assisting profession and empowering AAMA members.

Please join us in expressing our deep gratitude to Mr. Balasa for his remarkable 40 years of service and supporting Ms. Storey as she steps into this important leadership role.

Sincerely,

Virginia Thomas, CMA (AAMA), 2024-2026 AAMA President 

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