AOTF Announces New Executive Director!
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American Occupational Therapy Foundation Names Charles Christiansen, EdD, OTR/L, New Executive Director

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) has selected esteemed occupational therapy scholar Charles H. Christiansen, Ed D. to serve as its new executive director succeeding Martha Kirkland who retired from the position after 23 years of service.

Dr. Christiansen brings to the post a distinguished career of more than 35 years as a researcher, educator and leader in the field of occupational therapy. He has most recently served as Vice Provost for Health Sciences and Founding Director, Center for Allied Health Programs at the University of Minnesota. Prior to his move to Minnesota Dr. Christiansen was Dean and George T. Bryan Distinguished Professor in the School of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Prior to his roles at UTMB he was Professor and Director of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

“The AOTF Board and staff are thrilled that Charles Christiansen will be serving as our new executive director” said AOTF President Ruth Ann Watkins. “Dr. Christiansen understands and personifies our organizational vision and mission. As occupational therapy professionals, we are about helping people, regardless of age or ability, to become full and active participants in their world and, in so doing, give meaning to their lives and foster health and well-being. He will be a unique leader to guide our future services.”

“As an educator, researcher and practitioner, I know the value of the AOTF to the profession” said Charles Christiansen. “My vision builds upon scientific inquiry and social justice- the two main pillars that support the Foundation today. In addition to continuing to build upon the bold vision of the Board, it will be my mission to help the individual practitioner understand just how important the work of the Foundation is in their daily lives”.

Dr. Christiansen will assume his new position March 17, 2008.

During the past several years, AOTF has:

		Created numerous educational and research programs to keep the profession on the cutting edge of the healthcare profession;
		Broadened the vision of the profession to help society recognize that those with disabilities have a right to equal participation through reasonable accommodations;
		Provided resources to promising students who value the profession and its clients and to faculty who want to keep it intellectually strong;
		Supported programs to develop leaders within the profession; and,
		Established a firm financial footing to allow the Foundation to carryout its vision and programs.

Mindy Hecker, MBA, MLS Director of Information Resources and the Wilma L. West Library and Jeffrey S. Reznick, PhD Director of the AOTF Institute for the Study of Occupation and Health have been serving as interim Co-Executive Directors as the search for the Executive Director was underway. Martha Kirkland continued to serve as advisor to the Foundation and Board.