AHLA Announces Mark S. Kopson as President-Elect Designate

Kopson, a member of the AHLA Board of Directors since 2017, will provide key strategic support and leadership in advancing the mission and core beliefs of AHLA. 

Washington, D.C. - AHLA is pleased to announce that Mark S. Kopson will be taking over as the new board president on July 1, 2025. He will play a critical role in guiding the Association’s strategic efforts and will provide invaluable leadership and support for the Association in the years to come. Kopson joined the AHLA Board of Directors in 2017 and serves as Chair of the Education Committee, and as a member of the Executive Committee. He served previously as the Chair of the Governance Committee, Chair and Vice Chair of the Payers, Plans, and Managed Care Practice Group, and Chair of the Managed Care Contracting Affinity Group. He has also served as a member of the Finance, Membership, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA), and Nominating Committees. Kopson credits his academic and vocational success to AHLA members who continue to provide guidance and leadership.  

“I am pleased that Mark will continue to share his knowledge and expertise in this new capacity,” said Thomas N. Shorter, President of AHLA. “Mark is a strong advocate and ambassador for the Association and has dedicated many long hours as a mentor and thought leader for many of AHLA’s initiatives. He has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to health law education, putting him in a perfect position to make a lasting impact as an officer of the Board.”   

“I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our Association in this new capacity, said Kopson. “For over 35 years, AHLA has played an instrumental role in my professional and personal development. I am fully committed to ensuring those same benefits and many others are available to a larger and more diverse AHLA membership in the years to come.” 

Kopson is the Principal and Health Care Industry Group Leader for Plunkett Cooney, is a shareholder and chair of the Health Care Industry Group, serves on the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, and mentors young associates at his firm. He spends the bulk of his time guiding and assisting organizations to effectuate positive changes in health equity, providing service to historically underserved populations, and advancing IDEA principles.  

David S. Cade, Chief Executive Officer of AHLA, added, “I have had the privilege of getting to know Mark over the years and am thrilled with his election to this position. Mark is a dedicated champion for health law who is passionate about furthering educational opportunities in our profession. He has exhibited a strong commitment to IDEA and prioritizes respectful interchange of ideas, consensus building, and a spirit of life-long learning, which are essential values of AHLA’s mission.”   

Kopson received a Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, and later obtained a Juris Doctorate, magna cum laude, at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He plans on spending the rest of his career helping health law professionals navigate the ever-evolving and exciting field of health law.