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