John B. Crosby, JD, is the Executive Director of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) that proudly represents its professional family of more than 100,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students. Through his leadership, the AOA promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for DOs, is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical colleges, and has federal authority to accredit hospitals and other health care facilities.
John joined the AOA as Executive Director in 1997, following eight years of service as Senior Vice President for Health Policy at the American Medical Association. During his AOA tenure, the Association has increased membership by over 125%, doubled its contingency reserve, and launched numerous programmatic initiatives to advance women’s health, minority health, end-of-life care, and health system reform.
Notable accomplishments of John's also include the Campaign for Osteopathic Unity to make “DO” a household word throughout the United States, the first Unified Convention in the history of the AOA, the establishment of the Osteopathic International Alliance, the AOA's Branding Initiative, and its current Greatness Campaign.
From day one, John has asked the AOA staff to renew their commitment to providing the best member service possible. His staff motto – we can DO it! – is reflected in the AOA Strategic Plan and its six strategic paths to achieve greatness: Governance; Research; Education; Advocacy; Teamwork; and Membership. John has received several honorary degrees and awards, including the prestigious New York College of Osteopathic Medicine's Riland Medal for Public Service in 2006 and an AOA Presidential Citation in 2007. In 2004, the AOA received the Association Forum of Chicagoland’s Community Service Award, honoring our volunteer spirit as corporate citizens of Chicago. AOA staff has also been challenged to join John in a Family Fitness Program to promote physical fitness and public health.
John is an honors graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and the Ohio State University College of Law. Over the course of his career in law and politics, John has lectured at Harvard, Yale, in London and before several Congressional Committees and State legislatures. In 1969, John was named one of the Outstanding College Athletes in America and he has since competed in both the New York and Boston marathons. John and his wife, Mary Jo, have three children and six grandchildren.