Lynne Thomas Gordon
CEO at American Association of Orthodontists
“I love working with people, and I love variety in my job, and I have both of those! We are on a mission to change the world, and I think we can do that! We want to help anyone in the healthcare ecosystem manage the information- and that the information is trusted!”
Read Lynne’s full profile below
What do you do every day?
My title is that I am the CEO of AAO (American Association of Orthodontists). We have a membership of 19,000 members people. My typical day is working on board governance, development of strategy and execution of that strategy. I am one of the voices to helping the efforts to move the practice of orthodontics forward.
Why do you love it?
I love working with people, and I love variety in my job, and I have both of those! We are on a mission to change the world, and I think we can do that! We want to help anyone in the healthcare ecosystem manage the information- and that the information is trusted!
What were your moments of fear and challenges in your career?
I couldn't do what I wanted without a graduate degree- and getting that was a challenge...the challenge was that I went back to school while I was working- but after that I was able to "learn more to earn more!"
Other challenges- how do you move up? Sometimes you have to leave to move, and that takes guts!
What are some of the latest innovations in science that you are most excited about?
Electronic health records are really changing healthcare now! The pill that can basically take pictures of your gut while you swallow it! Telehealth! Genetics! ICD-10 is part of what we built and I'm excited to see how our workforce transforms when computer assisted coding emerges.
Where did you grow up?
Hendersonville, NC in the mountains!
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My anatomy and physiology professor- because when we were working with cadavers, he was always reminding us that they were real people, and there was a story there, and connect us to our purpose.
Tell us about your personal style.
I think you should always be yourself- jewelry is the icing on the cake!
Is there a current book or book you love?
NonProfit Mergers and Alliances
The Progress Principle: Using Small Joys....
The First Ninety Days- a must read for young women before you take on a new role! I read it every time!
What is your favorite website or fun activity?
Modern Healthcare, Becker's
Who inspires you?
My dad was the person who convinced me to go into healthcare and he was a huge proponent of women in professional roles. You'll always have a job because everyone will always need healthcare! It's a business but it is service oriented.
