L.A. County Medical Association Announces Dr. Katie Jordan as Incoming CEO

Experienced association and healthcare leader to guide LACMA’s next chapter of advocacy, engagement, and support for physicians across Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) announced today that Katie Jordan, OTD, MBA, has been named its next Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Jordan brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across professional associations, healthcare, and higher education, and will begin her transition into the role on November 16, 2026. She succeeds CEO Gustavo Friederichsen, who will retire at the end of the year following a decade of leadership.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Jordan as our incoming LACMA CEO,” said Dr. Hector Flores, President of LACMA. “She brings passion, experience and expertise leading national membership organizations and in healthcare policy and advocacy, including work with the American Medical Association, positioning her well to support our members and advocate on behalf of physicians across Los Angeles County.”

Dr. Jordan most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), a national professional membership organization. Previously, she served as Chief Administrative Officer of the University of Southern California’s Clinical Services, spanning medicine, dentistry, psychology, social work, and rehabilitation services. She also brings experience in healthcare policy and advocacy, including work with the American Medical Association on issues related to coding, reimbursement, and payment policy. Dr. Jordan earned her doctoral degree from the University of Southern California and is a graduate of USC’s Executive MBA program.

“We were drawn to Dr. Jordan’s strong skills in listening, communication, and diplomacy - all vital to effective advocacy and to bringing people together around the issues that matter most to physicians,” said Dr. Stacey Ludwig, President-Elect of LACMA. “Those qualities will serve LACMA and our members well as we look to the future.”

“I am deeply honored to serve as LACMA’s next CEO,” said Dr. Jordan. “This is an extraordinary moment for organized medicine. Physicians are practicing in increasingly complex and dynamic healthcare environments, and LACMA plays an important role in bringing physicians together, strengthening their collective voice, protecting their practices, and supporting sustainable careers. I am excited to work alongside LACMA’s members, physician leaders, staff, and partners to build on our strong foundation and ensure the organization continues to evolve alongside the physicians it serves.”

Dr. Jordan succeeds Gustavo Friederichsen, who has led LACMA for the past decade. During his tenure, Friederichsen strengthened LACMA’s role as a voice and advocate for physicians across all modes of practice and helped bring greater visibility and recognition to the organization and the physicians it represents. He will work closely with Dr. Jordan through the end of December to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

“Gustavo has given a decade of dedicated service to LACMA and to the physicians of Los Angeles County,” said Dr. Flores. “We are deeply grateful for his leadership, his commitment to our members, and the strong foundation he leaves for LACMA’s next chapter.”

Building on that foundation, LACMA looks ahead to its future under Dr. Jordan’s leadership with a continued commitment to strengthening the physician community, elevating the collective voice of its members, and ensuring physicians across Los Angeles County have the advocacy, resources, and support they need to thrive.