Welcoming a New Era of Leadership at the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is delighted to announce the principal officers and board members for the year 2026. This diverse and talented 15-member board is made up of innovative leaders from medical, scientific, education, and executive backgrounds. Their expertise and commitment are essential for driving forward the ADA's mission, which is focused on combating diabetes and its associated challenges.
Meet the Principal Officers of the Board
The distinguished principal officers serving until 2026 include:
- James Tai, Chair
With extensive experience in health care and life sciences, James Tai leads initiatives to enhance health equity and accessibility. As chair of both the Innovation and Board Development Committees, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the ADA Innovation Fund, which drives innovative solutions for diabetes and obesity challenges. - Mario Rivera, Secretary/Treasurer
Mario brings vast experience from his leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies. His recent efforts at CVS Health transformed their supply chain, reflecting a commitment to improving health care logistics. He has been actively involved in ADA's Finance and Innovation Committees, aiding in the organization’s financial stewardship. - Dr. Enrique Caballero, President of Medicine & Science
Dr. Caballero, an endocrinologist and educator, leads international innovation programs at Harvard Medical School. His dedication to reducing health disparities, particularly within Latino communities, is noteworthy. He’s instrumental in initiatives that improve diabetes care and education. - Amy Hess-Fischl, President of Health Care & Education
Amy has over 25 years of experience in diabetes education and care. Her extensive work at the University of Chicago focuses on improving outcomes for diabetes patients through advanced training methods and patient education initiatives. She advocates strongly for diabetes self-management education to be accessible to all.
Elect Officers for 2026
The following individuals have been elected as officers for 2026:
- Sean Pittman, JD, Chair-Elect
A seasoned legal expert, Sean heads Pittman Law Group, specializing in government affairs and corporate law. His leadership in various organizations showcases his commitment to community service and enhancing legal frameworks that affect public health. - Dr. John (Wig) Wigneswaran, Secretary/Treasurer-Elect
Dr. Wigneswaran possesses over two decades of executive experience in health care. His dual degrees in medicine and business facilitate a comprehensive approach to organizational strategy and medical governance. - Dr. Jennifer Green, President-Elect of Medicine & Science
Professor of medicine at Duke University, Dr. Green specializes in diabetes clinical research. She actively participates in major studies aimed at improving treatment methodologies for diabetes and its related complications. - Dr. Elizabeth Beverly, President-Elect of Health Care & Education
Dr. Beverly leads critical research on diabetes care and education, especially in rural areas. Her recognition as a scholar underscores her commitment to translating research innovations into practical health solutions.
Current Board Members Committed to the Mission
The remaining members of the board include:
- Mandeep Bajaj, MBBS
- Rodica Busui, MD, PhD
- Joshua J. Neumiller, PharmD, CDCES, FADCES, FASCP
- Christopher Ralston, JD
- Robin Richardson
- Rhodes B. Ritenour, JD
- Patti Urbanski, MEd, RD, LD, CDCES, FADCES
James Tai, the ADA's incoming board chair, expressed optimism about the expertise the new board members bring, stating, "Together, we have a team that embodies the skills and dedication essential to advance diabetes research, advocacy, education, and community support." The board aims to innovate and expand resources available to effectively tackle the diabetes crisis in the community.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting diabetes and its related complications. With significant history and ongoing commitment, the ADA continuously advocates for those living with diabetes while pushing boundaries in diabetes research and management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the key figures in the ADA's 2026 board?
The board is led by James Tai, Mario Rivera, Dr. Enrique Caballero, and Amy Hess-Fischl as the principal officers.
What is the focus of the ADA board in 2026?
The board's focus is on advancing diabetes care, research, and education, aiming to improve community health outcomes.
How does the ADA contribute to diabetes education?
The ADA promotes diabetes self-management education and supports initiatives that ensure these resources are accessible to all affected individuals.
What are the backgrounds of the new board members?
The board comprises professionals from various sectors, including medicine, health policy, education, and business, illustrating a comprehensive approach to diabetes care.
Where can I learn more about the ADA's initiatives?
For further details, you can visit the ADA's official website to explore their programs, research, and ways to get involved.
