Celebrating excellence: Honoring the AOA’s 2025 HOD award recipients

From July 18-20, 2025, the osteopathic profession is gathering in Chicago for the AOA’s annual House of Delegates meeting. Each year, the event serves as a platform to honor the outstanding achievements of distinguished DOs, researchers and affiliate leaders.

Below is a list of this year’s award recipients, along with a brief overview of their remarkable contributions.

Bob E. Jones, CAE, Award

Established in 2001, the Bob E. Jones, CAE, Award recognizes outstanding state and specialty executive directors who regularly contribute to both the AOA and the osteopathic profession as a whole.

This year’s recipients are Carol Houston and Grady E. (Ed) Williams, PhD.

Carol Houston currently serves as CEO and executive director of the American Osteopathic College of Radiology (AOCR), a role that she has led with integrity, innovation and an unrelenting focus on progress. Under Houston’s leadership, the AOCR has expanded its reach and impact through student mentoring, the creation of travel grants and digital tools. Houston’s efforts have expanded educational opportunities, deepened community engagement and increased the national awareness of osteopathic radiology. Her dedication continues to leave a lasting and meaningful impact on both the AOCR and the greater osteopathic community.

Grady E. (Ed) Williams, PhD, has had a decades-long and transformative impact on the osteopathic profession. As executive director of the Louisiana Osteopathic Medical Association (LOMA), Dr. Williams has been a steadfast advocate for osteopathic physicians and students. His powerful leadership was instrumental in ending discriminatory licensing practices in Louisiana, establishing parity for DOs and expanding opportunities for practice and training within the state. His impact on improving health care access, especially in rural and underserved communities, is lasting and far-reaching.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award is the AOA’s highest honor. Awarded annually to deserving physicians or lay individuals, the Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in advancing the science and art of osteopathic medicine, education, philanthropy or other fields of public service.

This year’s recipient is Carolyn Quist, DO, FACOOG (Dist.). Dr. Quist has been involved in the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOBOG) for over two decades, including serving as Chair of the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (BOS).

Dr. Quist has helped to modernize and elevate board certification standards. Her leadership ushered in key innovations, such as longitudinal assessment models, computer-based testing and remote proctoring during the pandemic. Post-retirement, Dr. Quist continues to shape the future of osteopathic medicine by addressing the integration of the single GME accreditation system and advancing responsible AI policies. Through her illustrious career, Dr. Quist has remained deeply committed to the patient care, mentorship, service and excellence that defines the osteopathic medical profession.

Presidential Citations

Each year, the AOA president recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to the osteopathic profession. This year, the following individuals have been recognized:

• David A. Connett, DO, FACOFP (Dist.), is a champion of the expansion of residency opportunities. He most recently played a pivotal role in Iowa’s efforts to create 115 new residency slots annually, strengthening the local physician workforce. Dr. Connett’s visionary work has influenced GME development nationwide and as the dean of Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM), Dr. Connett continues to shape the future of the profession through innovative program development and strategic partnerships.

• AOA Past President Joseph Giaimo, DO, MACOI, FCCP, is a long-serving member of the AOA Board of Trustees who has guided the organization through pivotal initiatives and continues to provide trusted counsel as advisor to the board. Dr. Giaimo’s impacts extend nationally through his service on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (PPAC) and locally through his leadership in Florida, including his term as Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) president and recognition as Physician of the Year. Dr. Giaimo’s legacy reflects a deep and sustained commitment to elevating osteopathic medicine on every front.

• Ray L. Morrison, DO, FACOS, DFACOS, has played a pivotal role in shaping policy and supporting AOA governance with clarity and purpose. He has served as Speaker for the AOA House of Delegates since 2014. His contributions on key AOA committees, such as State Government Affairs as well as Governance and Bylaws, have helped advance the profession’s voice and effectiveness. Dr. Morrison is also heavily involved in medical education as the founding dean of Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Louisiana (VCOM-Louisiana) and as the COM’s vice president of advancement. A passionate advocate for underserved communities and Spanish-speaking patients, Dr. Morrison also leads Sigma Sigma Phi, fostering academic excellence and student engagement with the AOA.

• The American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG) has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to advancing women’s health through osteopathic principles and whole person care. Through leadership, educational excellence and strong advocacy work, ACOOG continues to shape the future of the profession. ACOOG and the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOBOG) won the 2025 Award for Outstanding Educational Collaboration from the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions. The organization is committed to preserving osteopathic distinctiveness in obstetrics and gynecology through mentoring the next generation of physicians and promoting equitable, patient-centered care.

• The Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC) has demonstrated a longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting and advancing the osteopathic medical profession. OPSC has played a critical role in safeguarding the rights and recognition of osteopathic physicians and students through decades of advocacy. OPSC leadership continues to innovate in areas of licensing, CME and professional development, and its efforts have had a lasting and profound impact on the profession in California and beyond.

• The AOA’s Washington, D.C., team has provided exceptional advocacy on behalf of the osteopathic medical profession at every level. Through strategic engagement, policy expertise and effective grassroots outreach, the team ensures that the voice of the osteopathic community is consistently heard in key legislative and regulatory discussions. From navigating complex policy shifts during presidential transitions to securing victories in areas such as scope of practice, osteopathic distinction, rural health access and licensing board protections, the team’s work has made a profound impact on the profession. The team’s leadership in organizing events like DO Day further empowers physicians and students to advocate for the future of osteopathic medicine.

• AOA CEO Kathleen S. Creason, MBA, has fostered unity among stakeholders, strengthened relationships with key medical organizations and guided the AOA through a period of meaningful growth and alignment. Creason’s experience in association management along with her collaborative leadership style and commitment to operational excellence has positioned the AOA for long-term success. Her thoughtful leadership approach continues to make a lasting and positive impact on the osteopathic community, and we are fortunate to have her outstanding guidance, vision and dedication to the osteopathic profession.

More details

To learn more about the annual awards and House of Delegates meeting, please visit the AOA’s website.