Rachel A. Friddle-Johnson, CPO assumed the role of president of the ABC Board of Directors on December 1 and takes over the presidency from Larry D. Word, CPO, FAAOP, who will continue to serve as immediate past president. “Rachel has been an extremely valuable volunteer for ABC with a true passion for the credentialing process,” remarked Cathy Carter, Executive Director for ABC. “I look forward to working with her as she leads us toward advancing our organizational goals".

Friddle-Johnson is a fourth generation O&P professional who strives to live up to her family name through leadership and volunteerism. She began volunteering with ABC in the mid-late 90’s as an exam patient model, assisting her father, Frank, who was a volunteer for many years. She even remembers Executive Director Cathy Carter’s first time attending a Clinical Patient Management exam. Rachel has also served on many volunteer committees including Facility Accreditation, Central Fabrication Accreditation and Exam Development and has been both an auditor and examiner for the CPM exams. 

Rachel received her O&P education from Northwestern University and completed her residency with a private practice in Tennessee. After attaining her certification in 2007, she continued at that practice as a CPO and manager of two satellite facilities. She is now president of her family business, Friddle’s Orthopedic Appliances, Inc., in Honea Path, S.C.

“I am honored to be the ABC president and look forward to assisting with the implementation of our strategic plan. Formulating our strategic plan this year was an insightful process for the entire board. It is an exciting time for ABC and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of setting the standards for Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics.”