MAFP Staff

		Matt Black Director of Government Relations Office: 517.664.9082 \| Email Matt Matt started at MAFP in 2018 after working as a legislative staffer to State Senator Curtis Hertel, Jr. In that role, he was staff liaison for policy committees on which Senator Hertel served and was responsible for handling legislation introduced by the senator. In his role at MAFP, Matt is responsible for directing the organization's state public policy agenda, and he works to bridge the gap between members and elected officials. Matt also analyzes legislation and regulatory changes for potential impact on the practice environment in Michigan, and he assists members with questions regarding different aspects of government, such as communicating with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Matt serves as staff liaison for MAFP’s Advocacy Committee and Practice Management Committee and the Family Medicine Political Action Committee Board, where he is record keeper. He received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.

		Karlene Ketola, MSA, CAE Chief Executive Officer, FMFM Executive Vice President Office: 517.664.9085 \| Email K arlene Karlene joined the MAFP staff in 2019 after leading the Michigan Oral Health Coalition, where she served as executive director for 10 years. As MAFP's chief executive officer, she serves as the liaison between the board of directors, staff, and partners. In partnership with the board, Karlene guides and implements the long-term strategic plan of the organization. Day-to-day, she oversees the organization’s operations, finances, human resources, programs, and advocacy efforts. To accomplish MAFP's mission, she leads a team of professionals who make change by assisting family physicians and their practices as they work to ensure high-quality, cost-effective healthcare for patients of all ages. Karlene also serves as executive vice president of Family Medicine Foundation of Michigan, the Academy’s philanthropic arm, and is a member of MAFP’s Family Medicine Political Action Committee. Karlene holds a bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University, a master’s degree from Central Michigan University, and has earned the distinguished professional achievement of Certified Association Executive.

		Dana Lawrence Director of Communications Phone: 517.664.9086 \| Email Dana Dana joined the MAFP staff in 2015 after leading the communications department at Michigan Primary Care Association, the statewide association representing federally qualified health centers in the state, for 11 years. At MAFP, she is responsible for directing the organization's communications strategy to keep members and stakeholders current on industry changes and initiatives impacting family medicine at the state and federal levels. She is also responsible for leading resident and student initiatives. Dana is editor of MAFP’s quarterly Michigan Family Physician magazine and weekly Family Medicine Update e-newsletter, and responsible for overseeing the organization’s media relations, public relations, social media engagement, and website presence. She also serves as staff liaison for MAFP’s Member Engagement Committee and Family Medicine Foundation of Michigan’s Student & Resident Education Committee. She was appointed to AAFP’s Commission on Membership and Member Services in 2019 for a three-year term. Dana holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.

		Sarah Pinder Director of Member Engagement Office: 517.664.9083\| Email Sarah Sarah is a nonprofit professional with 15+ years of experience building relationships, making connections, and convening networks. In her role as Director of Member Engagement, Sarah leads MAFP’s member recruitment and retention work as well as continuing medical education and professional development programming. Sarah holds a bachelor of arts in communications and public relations from Michigan State University. She came to MAFP from the Michigan Nonprofit Association, where she served as engagement director for eight years.

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