Executive Leadership & Operations
The Administrative Team of the ABPMR includes the Executive Director (ED), Director of Operations and the Controller.
The Executive Director is responsible for implementing board-approved budgets and policies, overseeing day-to-day business affairs, and serving as the primary liaison between the staff and the board. The ED also manages high-level external relations and ensures the organization meets industry standards for certification.
The Director of Operations (DOO) focuses on the efficiency and productivity of the organization’s daily activities. The DOO collaborates with senior management to develop operational plans, set performance goals, and manage departmental workflows.
The Controller serves as the operational leader of the finance function, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of all financial systems. The Controller is responsible for the general ledger, payroll, month-end closing processes, and preparing financial statements. This position also establishes internal controls for regulatory compliance and manages the Board's daily cash flow and audit readiness.
Delivering Fair & Reliable Certification Programs
Certification Operations is the team responsible for planning, coordinating, and carrying out the Board’s initial certification and continuing certification programs. Staff support the full certification lifecycle by developing and delivering examinations and assessments, administering credentialing, continuing certification, and professional standing requirements, and coordinating the work of physician volunteers and committees.
Through its two core functions—Assessment Operations and Certification Standards—Certification Operations ensures programs are delivered consistently, fairly, and aligned with ABMS requirements and nationally recognized assessment and certification standards.
Strategic Messaging & Public Relations
The Communications department is responsible for directing and managing ABPMR communications, marketing, and public relations activities, and serves as the primary voice for the organization.
Team members help ensure that PM&R physicians have clear information regarding initial and continuing certification and requirements. In addition, the Communications team oversees strategic messaging, campaign development and content management for both internal and external communication channels including the website, email newsletters, and social media platforms.
Communications staff members also support meeting planning and other events on behalf of the organization.
First Point of Contact & Support
The Customer Service team at the ABPMR serves as the initial contact for diplomates, candidates, residents, patients, vendors and the general public with service and assistance.
Customer Service team members respond to phone calls, emails and web chats providing answers to queries, particularly as they relate to initial and continuing certification requirements for PM&R diplomates. The team members are adept at assisting physicians and guiding them through their requirements for obtaining and maintaining board certification.
Secure Technology & Modern Solutions
Information Technology (IT) supports ABPMR’s mission by delivering secure, reliable technology and responsive services that enable staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to work efficiently.
IT maintains various platforms that support certification and continuing certification workflows, strengthens data integrity and reporting to inform decision-making, and safeguards sensitive information through robust cybersecurity and access controls.
In partnership with business teams, IT modernizes tools, streamlines processes, and improves the user experience—helping ABPMR reduce operational risk, enhance service quality, and sustain its ability to fulfill the organization’s mission.
Science & Evidence Behind Certification
The Psychometrics and Research Department leads the scientific and statistical work that ensures the ABPMR certification programs are valid, reliable, and evidence-based.
The department oversees the design, analysis, and scoring of certification examinations and collaborates with physician experts to develop assessments that accurately measure the knowledge and skills required for safe medical practice.
It also conducts research on examination performance, physician competence, and related outcomes to continuously improve certification programs and demonstrate their value to physicians, patients, and the public.
In addition, the department provides technical guidance to the Board of Directors and committees on measurement methods, standards, and best practices in high-stakes professional assessment.