APMA News - November/December 2021 - 11

I
n 1980, the Council on Podiatric Medical Education
(CPME) hired a young part-time employee. Forty-one
years later, in the summer of 2021, he would retire as the
deputy executive director and chief operating officer of
APMA. Over the intervening four decades, Jay Levrio, PhD,
ascended into the leadership first of CPME and then of APMA,
establishing a reputation for shrewd intelligence, dry humor,
and unassuming kindness. In this special look back at his
exceptional career, APMA celebrates Dr. Levrio's profound
impact on the podiatric medical profession.
Dr. Levrio grew up in Pennsylvania and completed his undergraduate
studies at University of Pittsburgh. He received a
master's degree in social work from West Virginia University
and completed his PhD at the University of Maryland. He
joined CPME in 1980 and eventually advanced to the role of
director of the council. Dr. Levrio left CPME in 1997, but just
a year later, Glenn B. Gastwirth, DPM, then the newly appointed
APMA executive director and CEO, persuaded him
to return to the profession. " Jay was the first person I hired
when I was selected, " Dr. Gastwirth said. " His new role would
be a complete departure from his previous work at CPME,
but I knew he was the perfect person to become deputy executive
director and chief operating officer. "
Dr. Levrio would remain in that position for the next 23
years, overseeing everything from APMA's governance documents
to human resources. He made the decision to retire in
June after being diagnosed with a serious illness. He is receiving
treatment in Pittsburgh, where he lives with his wife Mary
Beth. They have two children, Miles and Emma.
During his long career, Dr. Levrio worked with hundreds of
member leaders and volunteers, as well as staff. APMA News
has collected their stories and memories on the pages that
follow, sharing in their own words the extraordinary impact
Dr. Levrio has had on individuals and the profession as a
whole. Read on and join us in celebrating the remarkable
contributions of Jay Levrio.
Chad Appel, JD
Director, Center for Professional Advocacy, Associate Director, Health
Policy and Practice
While not a podiatrist himself, Jay has a deep appreciation for
the podiatric medical profession. He dedicated his career and
life to advancing podiatry. From his time running CPME and
as second in command at APMA, Jay's impact can be felt
throughout APMA and the profession. He certainly left his
mark, and his retirement is a big loss.
On the staff level, APMA is a close-knit organization where
staff support each other and celebrate our colleagues' personal
and professional victories, and that culture is the direct result
of Jay and his caring and empathetic demeanor. Jay has
also been a mentor to me and many other staff members. I
will forever owe Jay a debt of gratitude for taking a chance on
me and hiring me, not once but twice. Once I was on staff, Jay
continued to take an interest in my career and afforded me
opportunities to grow, and he offered advice and guidance to
help me advance my career. Most of all, Jay is a friend, and I
miss stopping by his office and talking about family or hearing
stories about the " old days " of APMA.
Kenna Barrett, PhD
Director of Development
I had the pleasure of working with Jay for just over a year.
With his companionable style, he quickly became a trusted
mentor and confidante as I learned the ropes at APMA. His
impact is unquantifiable. We'll miss you, Jay!
H.F. Bunny Brown III, DPM
Past President and Former Protocol Officer of the House of Delegates
Jay conducted himself professionally, steadily, and quietly. He
focused himself, his staff, and CPME on what their purposes
were, not the greater " noise " in the profession. He built a very
capable and dedicated CPME staff, who did their jobs very
well. Jay and the council [had] a major impact on the credibility
of the profession with their standards and their data, at
a time when the profession was emerging to a new understanding
of its identity.
Jay's reputation for excellence resulted in him being selected
as deputy executive director of APMA. When Jay was in
this position, I had the opportunity to work closely with him
in writing the new Bylaws and other documents for the organization.
Jay has the greatest ability to wordsmith a document
and say what is necessary to get the job done.
I personally enjoyed working with him at the APMA HOD
as he kept me straight when I was the protocol officer. It is a
pleasure to know Jay and I wish him the best of everything in
his retirement.
Leslie Campbell, DPM
Trustee
Rarely in life is one afforded the opportunity to work with
people who demonstrate a true, steadfast devotion to a profession.
Jay Levrio, PhD, is that individual. As an APMA trustee,
it has been gratifying to witness Jay's command of language,
parliamentary rule, and historical perspective that
provided valuable insights in board and committee deliberations.
Jay welcomed discussion and provided me, personally,
an expansive view of APMA's history that is encapsulated in
my mind. I am truly grateful for this.
Jay is a gentle giant, a consummate gentleman, and in his
mastery of our organization, assisted us all in navigating the
world of policy and procedures with a spirit of collegiality.
For this, he is regarded as a respected colleague and friend
to many.
I miss seeing Jay at the board conference table, and his
presence will be sorely missed at future APMA HODs. I am
assured however, as my board colleagues and APMA members
will attest, that his work on behalf of our profession is
immortalized. Jay is leaving this organization a far better
place than he found it. For that, we owe him an enormous
debt of gratitude.
APMA News November/December 2021 11
APMA News - November/December 2021

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