A Letter from the Director: Nikki Grace

Published in Orthotics & Prosthetics on January 15, 2025

Dear OPGA Members and Partners,

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I am thrilled to begin this exciting chapter with all of you. It has been a tremendous honor to assume the role of Director of OPGA, and I am energized by the opportunity to collaborate with our incredible members, vendor partners, and colleagues who drive the orthotic and prosthetic profession forward every day.

The past year presented challenges and opportunities, but together, we have maintained a commitment to excellence and innovation. As we look to 2025, I am confident that we can build on our strong foundation to continue advancing OPGA’s mission. This year, we will focus on expanding our impact through growth, collaboration, education, and advocacy—pillars that ensure we remain a trusted resource for our members and partners while continuing to elevate the O&P profession.

Legislatively, 2025 begins with important updates from CMS and Congress that will impact our profession and the individuals we serve. OPGA remains steadfast in its advocacy efforts to ensure access to quality care, and we are proud to support initiatives like the Limb Loss and Limb Preservation Registry (LLPR). This vital program is a cornerstone for improving patient care pathways and outcomes, and I encourage you to learn more about its impact by visiting the LLPR website at www.llpr.org.

Advocacy is at the heart of OPGA’s mission, and we are proud to align with organizations such as NAAOP, which leads the way in addressing legislative challenges and creating opportunities for the O&P profession. Through partnerships like this, we strengthen our collective voice and pave the way for a brighter future.

One of NAAOP’s highlights of 2025 is the Breece Fellowship, a program that holds a special place in my heart. As a former Breece Fellow, I know firsthand the incredible opportunities it provides for emerging leaders in our field. From developing advocacy skills to gaining professional insights, this fellowship equips participants to make a lasting impact. Applications for the 2025 fellowship close on Jan. 20, and I encourage anyone interested to apply. For more information, please visit the NAAOP website at www.naaop.org. It is exciting to watch the next generation step up to shape the future of our industry and continue the important work of advancing patient care and provider support.

As we move forward, OPGA will focus on expanding our reach, strengthening relationships, and enhancing the resources available to our members and partners. From cost-saving initiatives to education and training, our mission is to empower you to succeed. Together, we can embrace emerging technologies, address challenges head-on, and seize new opportunities to increase access to care and improve mobility and quality of life for patients across the nation.

2025 is a year full of promise, and I am committed to leading OPGA with integrity, enthusiasm, and determination. Thank you for being a vital part of the OPGA community and for all that you do to support and advance the O&P profession. I am excited to see what we can achieve together this year and beyond.

Warm regards,

Nikki Grace
Director, OPGA