Leader’s Center
Handling the extra responsibilities that come with a leadership position requires vision and know-how. This webpage is designed to help you realize your full potential as an AAMA volunteer leader, beginning with inspirational messages from other leaders like you.
Leader Spotlight
Angela Eytcheson, CMA (AAMA)
2020–2021 Nebraska Society of Medical Assistants (NSMA) President
What is the one characteristic you believe all leaders should possess?
To be a good leader, you need to have good communication and listening skills. If you are unable to successfully communicate with your peers, it would be very difficult to be an effective leader.
What advice would you give to a new leader?
The best advice to give to new leaders is to learn as much as you can from your fellow medical assistants and those in the leadership [positions] of your chapter, state [society], and national [association(s)].
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your AAMA volunteer leadership experience?
The most rewarding aspect of my AAMA volunteer leadership experience has been the knowledge I have acquired from working with my fellow medical assistants. I have enjoyed meeting new people and learning the business side of the AAMA at the chapter, state, and national levels.
Karen Nichols-Skoff, CMA (AAMA)
2020–2021 Virginia Society of Medical Assistants (VSMA) President
What is one characteristic you believe all leaders should possess?
A positive helping attitude.
How do you encourage and inspire others to take active roles?
I like to encourage others by providing them with information about the roles and aiding their confidence that they can do it—that they have the ability.
What advice would you give to a new leader?
Ask for assistance from those who have been there and done this before. They are more than happy to help you.
Brian Stimpson Sr., CMA (AAMA)
2020–2021 New Hampshire State Society of Medical Assistants (NHSMA) President
How did someone, such as a mentor, influence you to take a leadership role?
Our board members have all been encouraging and supportive since my very first board meeting. They have challenged me to take on increasing responsibilities each year. They lift me up when I doubt myself, give me the encouragement and drive to succeed, and rein me in when necessary.
What have you done to make yourself approachable to new members of your state society?
I love speaking to medical assisting students at local colleges, highlighting professionalism and AAMA membership. My first position on the board was ambassador. In this role, I formed partnerships with local hospitals for CEU [continuing education unit] events, invited every medical assistant I could find, then greeted attendees at the door on arrival, inviting all to join the AAMA.
How have the people in your life helped you become the leader you are today?
There have been many great leaders in the nearly 40 years I have been in the workforce. NHSMA Vice President Todd Magee, CMA (AAMA), is my mentor at work. His leadership style has made a big impact in my life, making me a much better person and leader. I often joke that I want to be like him when I grow up, though I am older.
View previously published interviews with many other state leaders: