In Memoriam: AOA AVP Chaunessie Baggett, who served the organization for 26 years

Chaunessie Baggett was born on June 2, 1976, in San Antonio to Robert and Marva Baggett. She died on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at the age of 49.

Baggett began working at the AOA in 1999 and built her career supporting the osteopathic medical profession for the following 26 years. She began in the membership department as a coordinator. Her tendency to help all those she encountered led to multiple promotions and roles in the executive administration and certifying board services (CBS) teams. Most recently, Baggett served as an associate vice president for CBS, the largest team at the AOA. In this role, she was responsible for managing policy and communication with thousands of DOs.

One highlight of Baggett’s AOA career includes over 10 years of supporting the AOA Board of Trustees and House of Delegates, during which she developed close relationships with hundreds of physicians and medical students.

“Chaunessie’s career was truly extraordinary,” said AOA President Robert G.G. Piccinini, DO, D.FACN. “Her smile warmed the hearts of all who crossed her path, and she always took a genuine interest in the well-being of others. A cherished member of the osteopathic family, her presence will be deeply missed.”

Baggett had a great depth of AOA knowledge as well as earned trust with physician leadership. Physicians and AOA staff members will always remember Baggett for her warm smile, her remarkable professionalism and the genuine kindness she extended to everyone she encountered. She will be immensely missed by many at the AOA and in the osteopathic medical profession.

“Chaunessie was dedicated to helping everyone she came across, DOs and coworkers alike,” said AOA CEO Kathleen Creason, MBA. “She was a positive force and easily made those around her smile. We are heartbroken that she left us too soon.”

A joyful life

Baggett found her greatest joy and deepest love in life in her son, Hashim Aldin, affectionately known as “Hash Brown.” He was the center of her world, the sparkle in her eye and the love of her life. Everything she did was rooted in her devotion to being a loving and supportive mother, and her pride in him knew no bounds.

She also found joy in reading, crocheting and line dancing. She was a devoted member of Line Dancing with Ton and its sister group Lines ‘N Motion, where she formed meaningful friendships and participated in trips and competitions. She was also recently baptized in October 2025 at Rehoboth Apostolic Church by Bishop Yolanda Hunt.

Baggett’s life was full—full of love, faith, service and presence. Her legacy will live on in every life she touched and every heart that carries her memory forward.

A visitation was held in mid-December in Oak Lawn, Illinois.