Arizona Medical Association Names Douglas Laher, MBA, CAE, CMP, as New Chief Executive Officer

April 1, 2025

A seasoned nonprofit and association leader, Laher is committed to advancing ArMA’s mission and tackling Arizona’s most pressing healthcare issues alongside physicians and community partners.t

PHOENIX, Arizona — The Arizona Medical Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Douglas Laher, MBA, CAE, CMP, as its new chief executive officer. Effective April 1, Laher will succeed Libby De Bie, CAE, who announced her retirement earlier this year.


Laher brings over 15 years of experience in healthcare, association management, and nonprofit leadership. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer for the American Association for Respiratory Care in Dallas, Texas, where he successfully generated substantial new non-dues revenue while supporting a global membership of over 40,000 healthcare professionals. Prior to his career in the nonprofit industry, Laher practiced as a clinically trained respiratory therapist and hospital administrator at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. His extensive knowledge of organized medicine and healthcare uniquely qualifies him to champion the needs of physicians and patients alike.


“Doug’s comprehensive background in healthcare and nonprofit leadership, combined with his passion for driving meaningful change, makes him the right choice to guide ArMA forward,” said ArMA President Nadeem Kazi, MD. “Following an extensive, months-long national search for candidates by ArMA’s Board of Directors, we are confident that Doug's inspired vision, proven track record in association management, and deep understanding of healthcare will help us advance our mission to foster medicine, champion patient care, and strengthen the communities we serve.”


Laher will focus on strategically expanding ArMA’s impact by enhancing physician programs, further strengthening the organization’s award-winning advocacy efforts, and fostering a thriving, connected physician community. He will work in concert with ArMA’s Board of Directors to oversee all aspects of the association.


“I am honored and humbled to join the Arizona Medical Association, especially as we navigate a changing landscape for the physician and broader healthcare community,” said Laher. “ArMA is already the most effective physician advocate in the state, and I am committed to building on that foundation to drive meaningful change, making Arizona the best place to practice medicine and receive care.”


Laher assumes the role of CEO following Libby De Bie, CAE, who announced her retirement after a distinguished, 8-year tenure marked by significant advancements in physician advocacy and organizational growth. Under De Bie’s leadership, ArMA strengthened its financial, programmatic, and legislative impact, ushering in a new era for organized medicine.


“I know Arizona's physician community will achieve new heights under Doug’s leadership,” shared De Bie. “Serving this organization has been the highest honor of my career, and while I pass the responsibility and privilege of leading it to Doug, I will always be a strong supporter of ArMA and its mission to strengthen Arizona.”


Laher will officially assume his role on April 1, and he will be introduced to the healthcare community at ArMA's 2025 Annual Meeting & Gala on April 5 in the Phoenix Metro area.

ADHS Issues Standing Orders for Flu, COVID-19 Vaccine Access

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
Statewide orders keep pharmacists and physicians authorized to vaccinate Arizonans amid uncertainty over the next ACIP meeting. Statewide Orders Cover the 2026-27 Flu & COVID Season The Arizona Department of Health Services has issued statewide standing orders supporting access to the 2026-27 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Arizonans seeking a flu or COVID-19 vaccine should contact their physician or pharmacy to confirm availability. Why the Orders Were Issued Arizona pharmacists may administer vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for international travel, or vaccines authorized under a prescription, including a physician-issued public health standing order. With the timing of the next ACIP meeting uncertain, ADHS worked with the Arizona Board of Pharmacy to issue statewide standing orders for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which function as a prescription allowing pharmacists and physicians across Arizona to administer them to anyone who wants one. ADHS Medical Advisor Weighs In "Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect our communities. The Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines help us limit the spread of disease, reduce pressure on our healthcare system and reduce costs," said Dr. Richard Carmona, ADHS public health medical advisor and the 17th U.S. Surgeon General. "We have issued these standing orders to ensure safe and timely access to the vaccines in alignment with scientific and evidence-based guidance." What Arizonans Should Know The standing orders do not require every pharmacy to offer vaccinations, and they do not guarantee insurance coverage for administration. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, so Arizonans should check with their insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. 

Arizona Asks Supreme Court to Halt Prison Health Care Takeover

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
State attorneys seek an emergency stay after lower courts reject bids to delay receivership of the prison health care system. State Makes a Last-Ditch Appeal Attorneys for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry asked the U.S. Supreme Court this week to delay a court-ordered receivership of the state's prison health care system. The request comes after both a federal district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to pause the takeover. In the recent application, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, a representative of the department, argued that the state deserves more time to make its case before surrendering control of its operations, including oversight of its employees and health care budget. Roots of the Case The dispute began in 2012 when inmates sued the department, alleging the prison system's inadequate medical, mental health, and dental care amounted to cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. The case went through years of litigation and a failed settlement agreement. In 2023, U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver ruled that the health care system was "grossly inadequate." The court ordered the prison healthcare system to comply with more than 150 "quality indicators," but according to court-appointed monitors, the department failed to comply with 131 of the measures. In light of this finding, Silver named Annette Chambers-Smith, former director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, to take over as receiver effective Oct. 19. Arguments on Both Sides Clement argues receivership should be the last resort and that Silver moved to it too quickly. He asserts that the department has made measurable progress, including growing its health care staffing by more than 50%, expanding substance-use treatment access, and adopting a new care model. Corene Kendrick, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project, which represents the roughly 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona prisons, called the department's request a "Hail Mary" and said Silver had given the department years of opportunities to comply before ordering receivership. What Happens Next The Supreme Court has not yet set a deadline for the plaintiffs to respond to the stay request. Separately, the 9th Circuit is now reviewing the merits of the receivership order itself. The department filed its opening brief on Sept. 15, and the plaintiffs' response is due Oct. 15. Information in this article was sourced from the Arizona Mirror .