The American Physical Therapy Association is saddened to hear of the passing of Francis J. Mallon, Esq., former chief executive officer of APTA.

Frank supported four association presidents, numerous Board members, and many other volunteer leaders. He maintained a strong and dedicated staff — under his watch, APTA was named in 2005 and 2007 by Washingtonian magazine as one of the 50 best places to work in the Washington, D.C., area. He was always accessible, supportive, and candid in his dealings with component leaders, members, and staff. 

APTA President Roger Herr, PT, MPA, remembers Frank as the consummate staff leader. "He embodied the values of service, dedication, and commitment that staff for decades have sought to emulate and advance. His impact on staff continues today and will be felt for many years to come."

A graduate of Georgetown Law School, Frank joined APTA in July 1981 as associate executive director for professional relations. In 1988 he was promoted to associate executive vice president of professional relations, and in 1993 he was asked to serve as acting CEO while the association searched for a new CEO following the retirement of Bill Coughlan. When the search concluded that Frank was the best person for the job, he took the position permanently in 1994. Retiring in 2007, Frank was one of the association’s longest-serving CEOs.

APTA's current CEO, Justin Moore, PT, DPT, served under Frank. "He was a role model for many of us who chose a career in service to APTA. I was fortunate to learn from his people-focused approach that had such a positive influence on many APTA leaders, members, and staff."

Over his 25 years, Mallon exhibited strong leadership qualities, a thorough knowledge of and dedication to the profession, a penchant for supporting volunteer leaders, an appreciation of the national and state-level political environments, a vision of where the profession must go, and sound financial acumen in directing the association's day-to-day activities. What's more, his unique ability to connect with people — facilitated by humility and a great sense of humor — made him a dear friend to many. His humility was evident when, asked for a magazine article about his greatest accomplishments, he responded, "I see the accomplishments more in the context of what the association has done."

That said, he led the association to some of its greatest achievements: the significant growth in recognition and respect for the profession, especially in Congress and federal and state agencies, and among health professionals, insurers, and the public. His leadership set the stage for numerous wins by the association since his retirement, including the end of the Medicare therapy caps and direct access in every U.S. jurisdiction.

As committed as he was to serving as the association's CEO, Frank also was dedicated to his family, including his wife, Barbara, and his children, Dan and Colleen, and their families.

As an ever-encouraging voice, Frank Mallon was a steadfast proponent of APTA membership and staff, the profession of physical therapy, and physical therapy research. He will be greatly missed, and those of us who have succeeded him in the association owe Frank a debt of gratitude that will be hard to repay.