Dedication & Service: Dave Keahey Retiring

After 5 years of dedication and service, Dave Keahey, MSPH, PA-C, PAEA chief policy and research officer, will be retiring from PAEA in December 2021. Dave has been a valued leader in PA education and an award-winning scholar-practitioner. During Dave’s tenure at PAEA, he has led the expansion and growth of two departments at PAEA, research, and advocacy. Under his leadership, both departments expanded their reach and impact.

Over the course of his career, Dave has educated hundreds of students and mentored dozens of faculty. Recent highlights from Dave’s leadership include the success of the Rapid Response Reports to study the impact of COVID-19 on PA education. Simultaneously, he worked with the government relations team to advocate for funding and policies to advance excellence in PA education, including Title VII HRSA funding access for programs, expanded funding for NHSC scholarships, and increased PA participation in the behavioral medicine awareness of substance use disorder. Dave forged a partnership with the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, resulting in increased awareness and the readiness of PA students to address behavioral-mental health comprehensively and holistically. Dave also worked tirelessly to positively impact the clinical site shortage programs continue to face.

Dave is currently using his well-deserved PTO and will continue to do so as he transitions to retirement. Fortunately, Dave is leaving the GR team in the very capable hands of Tyler Smith and Catherine Majewski who will continue the strategic advocacy work with excellence. Please join us in thanking Dave for his selfless service to PAEA, PA education, and the profession as we wish him well during his next chapter.