The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) has announced Ann Mond Johnson as the CEO starting March 5, 2018. Johnson will lead the network of over 10,000 healthcare executives in advancing healthcare technology to improve quality while remaining cost effective.

“Following a rigorous search process during which ATA’s Board met with a number of very strong candidates, Ann quickly rose to the top of our list,” said Peter Yellowlees, MD, MBBS, ATA’s board president. “ATA is well positioned as a global leader in helping consumers take more control over their health and wellness through telemedicine. Now, with Ann’s invaluable experience working across the healthcare spectrum with providers, payers and innovative technology firms, we have the powerhouse leadership to achieve our objectives, seize new opportunities and take telehealth to the next level.”

Johnson has a background in healthcare spanning two decades which included roles as an entrepreneur and executive. She has launched innovation companies, held the position of CEO at Zest Health and served as board chair and advisor to Connected Heath.

“Consumers are increasingly savvy about using technology in their everyday lives and have come to expect it, even in healthcare,” said Johnson. “Joining ATA made perfect sense because we put consumers at the core of everything we do, and that’s something I’ve been passionate about my entire career. Telemedicine is no longer just a specialty service, but a safe and cost-effective modality of care that reaches many different people. It represents the future of health and wellness, and I’m excited by the enormous opportunity in front of us.”