Message from the Outgoing NAPA President

Dear NAPA Members,

As I complete my third term as President of the Nevada Academy of PAs, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your trust, support, and commitment to our profession. It has been an honor to serve alongside such a dedicated and passionate community.

Your engagement was especially meaningful during the most recent legislative session. Although we were unable to pass our legislative agenda, we presented clear, evidence-based arguments demonstrating that PAs are part of the solution to expanding access to high-quality care in Nevada. We made it clear that antiquated supervision requirements no longer reflect modern healthcare, and that PAs can provide safe, effective care while maintaining the team-based approach we proudly embrace.

There is still much work to be done. NAPA remains committed to advancing PA practice in Nevada—pushing for thoughtful, patient-centered legislation, protecting our professional integrity, and ensuring that PAs are recognized and valued as essential members of the healthcare team.

To keep this momentum, we must continue to grow. Expanding our membership is key to increasing our influence and ensuring we remain a strong, unified voice for all PAs in Nevada. But just as importantly, we must continue to recognize that providing excellent care is only one tenet of being a medical professional. We must be equally excellent in our advocacy efforts, in serving as leaders at the local, regional, and national levels, and in engaging with our communities to improve health outcomes and build trust in the work we do.

We also need your involvement and leadership in NAPA. The ability to deliver care to patients is a privilege, and one that can be limited or taken away with the stroke of a pen or keystroke. It can also be strengthened and expanded through our collective action. Your voice matters, and your engagement makes a difference.

Please join me in welcoming the new members of the 2025–2026 NAPA Board and leadership team:

• President: Alyssa Nishihira
• President Elect: Jesse James Harvey
• Northern Director at Large: Stephanie Vickery
• Southern Director at Large: Ashley Suarez
• Rural Director at Large: Sarah Lemback
• House of Delegates: Jesse Harvey and Alyssa Nishihira
• Secretary: Mandy Brodegard

We are fortunate to have these volunteer leaders who give their time, attention, and expertise to protect and advance the practice environment for all Nevada PAs—both members and non-members alike. Their service is critical to the continued success of our profession in this state.

As a proud NAPA member for over 30 years (starting as a pre-PA member in 1994), I’ve seen firsthand the difference we can make when we stand together with purpose and resolve. Thank you again for the opportunity to lead. I look forward to supporting the incoming leadership and watching NAPA continue to thrive.

With appreciation, 
Brian S. Lauf, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA  
Immediate Past President, Nevada Academy of PAs