Cristina Reyes Smith elected vice president of the American Occupational Therapy Association Board of Directors

Last week, Cristina Reyes Smith, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, faculty member in the Division of Occupational Therapy, was elected vice president (VP) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Board of Directors (BOD). Her term begins July 1, 2024 and will run through June 30, 2027.

“I am honored to be the first Latina voted into this role, and to be a representative of MUSC and South Carolina,” said Smith. She is the first person from MUSC and South Carolina to be elected as AOTA VP. “I am deeply grateful for the support of colleagues and students as we move forward together.”

For Smith, being elected to this position means she will have the opportunity to share what she and her colleagues have learned through collaboration and evidence-based practice to innovate and have a positive impact at the national level. She looks forward to sharing knowledge and effecting change related to access to care, admissions, education and workforce preparation, policy, technology, and so much more.

In her role as VP, she will help oversee the AOTA’s strategic plan, operations, and budget. Smith will also oversee special initiatives as directed by the BOD president and serve as the lead in their absence. Historically, the VP has coordinated the AOTA Emerging Leaders Development Program. Additionally, Smith will serve as a liaison with the AOTA Executive Director (ED), a position the association is in the process of filling.

For more information about Smith’s platform as AOTA VP, visit www.cristinareyessmith.com.