American Telemedicine Association (ATA) CEO Jonathan Linkous is stepping down from his leadership role after more than two decades, according to an announcement from the organization.
Linkous served as the ATA’s CEO for 24 years. His immediate departure is due to personal reasons, an ATA spokesperson told FierceHealthcare.
The ATA’s Chief Operating Officer Sabrina Smith—who joined the association in January—will take over as interim CEO while the organization searches for a permanent replacement.
RELATED: ATA says states' telemedicine progress a mixed bag
“Jon was integral in the formation of the ATA and the telehealth industry,” Peter Yellowlees, M.D., M.B.B.S., ATA’s current board president, said in the announcement. “We thank Jon for his many years of service and his significant contributions to ATA and the industry he helped create."
He added that Linkous was "instrumental" in recruiting more than 100,000 members to ATA, along with 450,000 health system and industry partners.
"We are indebted to him for building a strong foundation for future growth," he said.
Linkous has navigated the association through a time in which telemedicine has grown exponentially. The organization has been particularly focused on state policies regarding reimbursement and physician licensure. In its recent report released earlier this year, the association highlighted pockets of progress in both areas, but argued that much of the country still remains stagnant when it comes to advancing telemedicine regulations.