As we dive into 2025, we’re embracing both challenges and opportunities. Through it all, we stay focused on progress, innovation, and supporting our members. With a sense of hope and optimism, we look back on recent transitions at the ADA, recognizing the resilience of our community and the exciting road ahead.

After four years as ADA executive director, Dr. Raymond Cohlmia resigned from his position.  Dr. Cohlmia had an incredible vision for the association and was instrumental in leading transformational change at the ADA.  The Board named Dr. Elizabeth Shapiro as interim ADA executive director and we have already had a chance to experience her remarkable leadership. The Board has a strong north-star for the vision of the ADA and we will continue along this path as we forge the future of dentistry. 

In 2024 the ADA started to undertake a change to a new database platform called Salesforce/Fonteva. Once complete, this platform will work across the entire tripartite for every ADA member.  This has been a big initiative and the transition hasn’t been as smooth as we would have liked.  State and component society staff have shown patience and perseverance as the ADA works out the kinks.  Next time you see your friendly Iowa Dental Association team please recognize them for their incredible commitment to its members.  They deserve a pat on the back, fist bump, and even a hug. During the most recent ADA board meeting we made a commitment to dedicate more resources and personnel necessary to bring the dream of a tailored technological experience to every single ADA member to fruition. 

With the Board fully committed to our mission to help all members succeed we adopted a new advisory committee, the Committee on Equity, Inclusion and Interprofessional Relationships, to represent all members of the tripartite. We also evolved our Institute for Diversity in Leadership into the Leadership Institutes.  The ADA Leadership Institutes will help to further grow and develop members who want to become leaders in our profession. 

Member success would not be possible without a focus on mental well-being and the ADA’s commitment to our members is further exemplified by the addition of Talkspace Go as a new resource for ADA members and dental students.  This is a self-guided therapy app to support mental health in a suite of self-guided resources such as counseling programs, live classes, and mental health tools. 

The ADA building has been an iconic part of a visit to Chicago for many of our members.  Many of you have probably taken your photo in front of the building, in front of the logo in the main entrance, and in the boardroom. Like saying goodbye to the house that you grew up in, there were mixed emotions as we said our final farewells to 211 E. Chicago. I had an opportunity to visit the new ADA offices, and rest assured that the new location will bring us new memories and new iconic photo locations.  The new offices are state of the art, light-filled, and warm and provide a variety of work spaces for everyone.  Much of my growth as a leader happened in 211 E. Chicago, but I can’t help but be filled with a sense of excitement and optimism for what a new journey in 401 N. Michigan will offer. Here’s to new beginnings and endless possibilities.

Sara Stuefen DDS

District 10 Trustee, American Dental Association

Vice-Chair, IDA Legislative Committee

Vice-Chair, IDPAC