Celebrating Our Champions: Honoring the Impact of PAEA Volunteers
At the heart of PAEA’s mission is a community of dedicated volunteers who give their time, talent, and passion to advance PA education and support our members. As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, we want to spotlight three exceptional individuals whose leadership, service, and impact have left a lasting mark on our Association.
Mary Warner: A Visionary Leader in Research Collaboration
Since stepping in as Chair of the Research Mission Advancement Commission (RMAC) in 2021, Mary Warner, DBH, PA-C, has been nothing short of a force of nature. She continues to bring together her expertise in PA education and research to lead transformative initiatives that continue to shape the landscape of scholarly work at PAEA.
Under her guidance, the RMAC has produced original research (check out this recent article written by the commission) strengthened cross-collaboration efforts with other volunteers and researchers, played a pivotal role in the COVID-19 Rapid Response efforts, and hosted dynamic Forum sessions that sparked innovation and dialogue. Mary’s talent for uniting researchers of all backgrounds—from early-career professionals to seasoned experts—has created a culture of inclusive excellence.
Her leadership style, marked by grace, humor, and honesty, fosters an environment where creative ideas flourish. Mary’s work has not only elevated the RMAC but also has advanced the field of PA education as a whole, laying a foundation for future breakthroughs.
Elana Min: Shaping the Future of PA Scholarship
As an editor for the Journal of PA Education (JPAE), Elana Min, PhD, PA-C, has been a guiding light for both experienced and emerging scholars. Her leadership of the journal’s newest section, Education Innovations, has sparked a wave of fresh ideas and elevated the visibility of cutting-edge educational practice in PA programs.
Elana’s commitment to mentorship has been especially impactful. By supporting novice researchers through the often daunting publication process, she has opened doors for new voices and broadened the scope of our scholarly community. Her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering pursuit of academic excellence have set a high standard for JPAE and inspired a new generation of contributors.
Beyond the journal, Elana’s devotion to fostering collaboration and innovation within the PA profession and across PAEA has been truly inspiring. She exemplifies what it means to lead with both purpose and heart.
Frank Giannelli: A Relentless Advocate for PA Education
Over the past four years, Frank Giannelli, PhD, PA-C, has been a driving force on the Government Relations Steering Committee, where his leadership and passion for advocacy have shone brightly. Whether speaking at congressional briefings, leading engaging Forum sessions, or mentoring Student Health Policy Fellows, Frank has consistently stepped up to represent the voice of PA educators on the national stage.
He has played a key role in shaping PAEA’s advocacy agenda and has been nominated to serve on federal advisory committees—an acknowledgment of the depth of his knowledge and the respect he commands across the field. His unwavering dedication to elevating faculty voices and championing our members’ interests has helped move the needle on critical policy issues affecting PA education.
Frank’s efforts have advanced our legislative priorities and empowered countless educators and students to engage in advocacy and make their voices heard.
With Gratitude
Mary, Elana, and Frank are just a few shining examples of the impact our volunteers have every day. Their contributions embody the spirit of service, collaboration, and leadership that drives our work forward. We are endlessly grateful for their time, energy, and commitment to PAEA’s mission.
To all our volunteers—thank you. You are the backbone of this community, and everything we achieve is made possible through your dedication.
Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month!
