ABC is excited to welcome three new members to our board of directors following the retirement of three members on November 30. On December 1, Erick J. Janisse, CO, C.Ped., Renee Lewis, CO, CPA, and Jason E. Tanner, CPO joined the board. At its September 11 meeting in Charlotte, NC, the ABC Board of Directors confirmed these appointments and bid farewell to director members, Dennis W. Dillard, C.Ped., CTO, Rachel A. Friddle-Johnson, CPO and Anthony C. Ward, CPO.

“ABC is grateful for the contributions that Rachel, Dennis and Tony have made to the ABC board of directors as reliable and committed volunteers,” remarked Cathy Carter, ABC’s Executive Director. “I look forward to working with our new board members as they begin their board service in support of our mission.”

Jason E. Tanner, CPO of Wichita, KS, has more than 25 years of experience in patient care and extensive expertise in business management. Tanner has volunteered with ABC for over 14 years as an Orthotics and Prosthetics CPM Examiner and currently serves on the Orthotic Exam Committee.

He graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics and completed his orthotic and prosthetic residency at the University of Oklahoma. Beyond his clinical work, Tanner has diverse business interests spanning hospitals, real estate, medical device development, pharmaceutical development and restaurants. As the owner and practitioner at Ark Valley Orthotics and Prosthetics in Wichita, Kansas, he has expanded the practice into the largest independently owned O&P facility in central Kansas, complete with a full-service lab. His prior roles include working at Becker Orthopedic, where he managed patient care and research initiatives and co-taught the Cranial Remolding Course.

Renee Lewis, CO, CPA of Chattanooga, TN, has been an active volunteer with ABC, serving on the Exam Development Committee (2016-2024) and as an Orthotics Examiner, Auditor and Site Coordinator (2019-present). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and received her orthotic education from Northwestern University. Lewis earned her ABC Orthotist certification in 2012 and her Prosthetic Assistant certification in 2013. She has extensive experience in patient care, manufacturing engineering, project management and quality control. Renee currently serves as the Director of Clinical Solutions at Friddle’s Orthopedic Appliances, where she integrates advanced technologies like additive manufacturing and CAD/CAM into clinical practices to enhance patient outcomes.

She co-authored a chapter in Rehabilitation Engineering: Principles and Practice and is passionate about technical education and emerging technologies. Renee continues to shape the future of orthotics and prosthetics through her innovative and diverse expertise.

Erick J. Janisse, CO, C.Ped. of Fenton, MO, is a dedicated volunteer with over three decades of professional experience. Erick has held numerous leadership and advisory roles, including serving on the Pedorthic Footwear Association (PFA) Board of Directors (2000–2003, 2019–2021), the Pedorthic Newswire Medical Advisory Board (2003–2013), and Chair of the Pedorthic Footcare Association Council on Pedorthic Education (2019–2021, Co-chair 2012–2015). His volunteer service with ABC includes contributions to the Pedorthic Exam Team (2014–2018), Continuing Education Committee (2018–present), and various task forces in 2021.

Janisse’s educational background encompasses specialized training in pedorthic management and advanced orthotic techniques from institutions such as Ball State University and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Janisse earned his ABC Certified Pedorthist certification in 1994 and Certified Orthotist certification in 2004. He has worked extensively in the pedorthic community serving in management roles at Dr. Comfort/Enovis/DJO Global and vice president of National Pedorthic Services (1997-2013). Currently, Janisse is the Sales Training Manager for Dr. Comfort/Enovis and Program Director for the Midwest School of Modern Pedorthics.

An accomplished lecturer and author, Erick has shared his expertise globally and published extensively on topics such as diabetic foot care and therapeutic footwear. Passionate about education and innovation, Erick remains a leader in shaping the future of orthotic and pedorthic care.