Press Release: CAFP Announces New Executive Vice President and CEO

ByEmily Bishop

The Colorado Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Emily Bishop as the CAFP’s next Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective October 1, 2025. Emily will succeed outgoing CEO Ryan Biehle, who has served in the role since 2020.

Emily has nearly a decade of experience in organized medicine leadership, strategic communications, and public policy advocacy. She joined CAFP in 2022 as the Director of Communications and Member Engagement, where she has led public-facing initiatives and member engagement efforts. She is a dedicated advocate for Family Medicine, health equity, and Colorado communities. In her new role, she will lead the organization and staff, serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors, and manage the Board of Trustees of the CAFP Foundation, which carries out charitable work on behalf of Family Medicine in Colorado.

During her tenure at CAFP, she has overseen the growth of member benefit programs, expanded statewide member outreach through on-site practice visits, and played a key role in the passage of significant policy, including prior authorization reform legislation. Prior to CAFP, Emily served as Director of Government Affairs at the Colorado Medical Society, advocating on behalf of Colorado physicians and managing multiple committees and political action funds.

CAFP Board President Abbie Urish, MD, welcomed Emily to the role. “We are thrilled to announce Emily Bishop as our next EVP/CEO.  She has a stellar record of advocating for all family physicians and recruiting members throughout the state to champion major issues as our Director of Communications and Member Engagement. We are excited to have her move into this role as our bold champion for Colorado’s family physicians, patients, and communities. Her breadth of experience in associations and advancing health reforms will be a wonderful asset in continuing to advance our work throughout the state.”

“It’s a privilege to lead this incredible organization,” said Emily. “Our members are doing the hard work every day to keep Colorado healthy, and I’m here to make sure they’re heard, supported, and celebrated.”

Emily lives in Denver with her husband, dog, and cat and enjoys spending time in the pottery studio, hiking, and volunteering at Humane Colorado.