The American Medical Association Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Beth Ellison as president of its board of directors. A passionate champion for physician families and community health, Ellison brings extensive leadership experience and a strong commitment to service to her new role.
Ellison joined the AMA Foundation board of directors in 2019 and has held numerous leadership roles in organized medicine, including president of the AMA Alliance, Ohio State Medical Association Alliance, and Summit County Medical Alliance. A certified medical technologist, she previously held clinical roles at the Cleveland Clinic and Akron Children’s Hospital.
“I am incredibly honored to be stepping into this role,” Ellison said. “Leading the AMA Foundation is both exciting and humbling. It’s a challenge I wholeheartedly welcome. I’m especially grateful to have such a fantastic board alongside me. They’re passionate about our mission and absolutely brimming with fresh ideas. That energy is inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”
In the year ahead, Ellison is focused on expanding the AMA Foundation’s reach through collaboration and thoughtful program development.
“I’m most excited about the opportunity to take the great ideas being discussed and shape the future of our programming,” she said. “Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but laying the groundwork so we continue to move forward is the goal. Our current programs are strong and meaningful. This year, we are going to focus on enhancing what’s working, building on our successes, and growing our AMA Foundation family.”
Sandi Smith, deputy director and chief development officer of the AMA Foundation, shared her thoughts on Ellison’s leadership.
“As a leader, Mary Beth brings a clear vision and a collaborative spirit,” Smith said. “She asks thoughtful questions, engages the right voices, and leads with intention. She is focused on ensuring the AMA Foundation continues to strengthen its charitable impact, in collaboration with the AMA, through programs and a diversified revenue stream. Our staff looks forward to bringing her vision to life.”
Ellison succeeds Albert Ray, MD, FAAFP, who now serves the board as immediate past president. Dr. Ray’s instrumental leadership helped the AMA Foundation strengthen its commitment to equity, innovation, and collaboration with the medical community.
About Mary Beth Ellison
A lifelong Ohio resident, Mary Beth Ellison lives in Fairlawn and has dedicated much of her career to serving both the medical and broader community. Known by many as a “volunteer extraordinaire,” she has served on the boards of Mobile Meals of Summit County and the North Coast Bernese Mountain Dog Club. She is also a member of the North Coast Hosta Society.
Her family’s passion for animal welfare has led to years of rescue work with golden retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs. She and her family also volunteered as puppy raisers for Pilot Dogs, which trains service dogs for blind individuals. Among her most cherished volunteer experiences was visiting hospice patients with her therapy dog, Nash.
Ellison is married to Dr. Richard Ellison, an ophthalmologist and member of the AMA House of Delegates. They have four adult children and three grandchildren.
