Sara Presler, JD has been named CEO/Executive Director of the Maricopa County Medical Society (MCMS) and Medical Society Business Services. The appointment, which was made by MCMS’ Board of Directors, will begin in December 2012. Founded in 1892, the Maricopa County Medical Society is a not-for-profit, voluntary association for physicians committed to promoting excellence in the quality of care and the health of the community, and to present and serve its members by acting as a strong, collective physician voice. More than 2600 members strong, MCMS supports physicians through a wide range of resources, advocacy efforts, education, volunteerism, philanthropy and professional development activities.
Presler brings more than 10 years of experience in law, community relations, and organizational management to the Maricopa County Medical Society. Before her appointment to MCMS, Presler served two terms as Flagstaff Mayor, General Counsel for Southwest Windpower, and in private law practice focusing on ethics and business law. She began her career as an attorney for children and behavioral health patients.
In each of her positions, she has focused on establishing and maintaining sustainable operations by applying strong expertise to long-term, mission-centric strategic planning. Presler will collaboratively work with the Board to achieve data-driven outcomes based growth, and the development of innovative products and services for Members and the community. The focus of Presler’s career has been the innovation and enrichment of programs to improve community health.
Board President, Michael R. Mills, MD, MPH said Presler has been a key Arizona leader and looks forward to her leading the Medical Society. Dr. Mills states, “Presler is a seasoned professional and is well suited to serve our Physician Members. I am a native Phoenician and I encourage our community to welcome Presler. You will find Sara has the expertise and passion to serve our medical profession and our community.”
Daniel Lieberman, MD, President-elect emphasizes Presler’s strong philanthropic and community relation skills as an asset to Members. “As physicians, we are closest to the patients, and, therefore, have the best understanding of what is wrong with the current system and how to fix it. We have traditionally helped our patients navigate the healthcare system; it is now our responsibility to change the system for the better on their behalf. Presler will lead the Maricopa County Medical Society toward fulfilling this responsibility.”
Presler holds a degree in History and English from Northern Arizona University and a J.D. from Michigan State University. She is a Flinn Brown Fellow and alumni of the Flinn Foundation’s Civic Leadership Academy’s inaugural class. Presler is an active member of the State Bar of Arizona and serves on the board of the United Way of Northern Arizona, Northern Arizona Healthcare Childhood Obesity Board, and is an Honoree for the Donor Network of Arizona, a few of her many philanthropic and community efforts.
Presler will succeed interim executive director, Alex Miles, who assumed the duties of the position after Daniel Mitten’s relocation to Oregon in November of 2012.
About Maricopa County Medical Society: Celebrating its 120 year anniversary in 2012, the Maricopa County Medical Society encompasses the Bureau of Medical Economics, a medical collection agency; Medabytes computer services; Greater Arizona Central Credential Program, a primary source, auditing and application service; and was the founding incorporator for what is now known as the Arizona Foundation for Medical Care. For more information, visit www.mcmsonline.com.
