Chapter Committees

A Chapter Committee is a working group dedicated to an organizational priority. Committees are formed based on identified, strategic needs and chairs are nominated and appointed by the board. Committees change over time as different organizational needs are prioritized and as resources are allocated. Any member interested in joining a committee is invited to reach out to the committee chair for more information.  The currently active RIAAP committees are:

Advocacy: Gregory Fox, MD, FAAP
CME & Programming: Vice President
Membership: Secretary
Nominating: Immediate Past President
Pediatric Council: Peter Pogacar, MD, FAAP

Chapter Champions

A Chapter Champion is a chapter member with interest and expertise in a particular area of pediatric medicine. The Champion is an advocate for children and a resource for others in the community. They have knowledge of current guidelines, advocacy, and best practice in each focus area and serve as a link to other providers in the community with a similar interest.

  • If you find that you share an interest in one of the below topics, please reach out to the listed person(s) if you have questions or ideas to share.
  • If you are interested in becoming a Chapter Champion of an unlisted topic or vacany, please contact Jennifer Mann

These focus areas are meant to reflect current interests, projects and needs of the national AAP, the Chapter or our State. They were either self-selected or nominated by a current Board member and agreed upon by the individual(s) listed. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all areas of pediatric care – and can expand or contract based on Chapter Champion interest, project work by our members, or needs in Rhode Island.

Adolescent Medicine: Patricia Flanagan, MD, FAAP
Breastfeeding Coordinator (AAP): Shayla Durfey, MD
CATCH Facilitators (AAP): Allison Brindle, MD, FAAP & C. Paula Lewis-de los Angeles, MD, FAAP
Climate Change Champion (AAP): Karen Maule, MD, FAAP
Disaster Preparedness & Response Contact (AAP): Susan Duffy, MD, FAAP
Early Career Chapter Champion: Lillian Seo, MD
Early Childhood Champion (AAP): Pamela High, MD, FAAP
E-Cigarette Champion: Allison Heinly, MD, FAAP
Emergency and Child Safety Champion: Susan Duffy, MD, FAAP
Health Mental Development Champions: Jnev Biros, MD, Natalie Golova, MD, &  Jennifer Mann, MPH
Immunization Representatives: Elizabeth Butler, MD, FAAP & Robert Griffith Jr., MD, FAAP
Oral Health Advocate (AAP): vacant
School Health Champion: Gregory Fox, MD, FAAP
Senior Member Chapter Champion: vacant

AAP Leadership Contacts
In addition to the above Chapter positions, AAP has many committees, councils, sections, and task forces. National AAP members can contact:

Julie Raymond, CAE
Senior Director, Member Engagement & Experience
Oversight of all initiatives and leadership groups within the Chapter, District, & Member Engagement team
Contact: jraymond@aap.org
(630) 626-6137​