ACOI Congratulates Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) Leaders Steve Winn and Michelle Winn Larson

On January 1, 2026, the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) had a major change in its leadership; after 51 years of service, Steve Winn, the former executive director, has retired, and Michelle Winn Larson has been selected as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organization. ACOI is proud to congratulate Steve on his impressive tenure with FOMA and supporting the osteopathic medical profession, and Michelle on her impressive contributions and the honor of taking on this new role.

We spoke with Steve about this change, and he shared the story of Michelle’s powerful influence and instrumentality to the growth of FOMA since she joined the association. Originally brought into FOMA as a lobbyist, Steve became the organization’s executive director in 1984. Michelle joined the staff in 1997, initially as a meeting planner based on her background in hospitality management. She immediately took initiative to bring FOMA up to speed in its operations and technology usage.

“When it comes to CME, she created what I was very apprehensive about, which was virtual online courses. Today we find that’s what everybody wants,” Steve said. Though FOMA has live meetings, they see huge numbers in virtual course participation, so the moves they made have paid off. Those changes strengthened FOMA to a degree that after less than a year on staff, Michelle was named associate executive director. Since then, Steve said, “She has brought FOMA to the strongest financial position it’s ever been in.”

As she moved from that role to that of Chief Operating Officer (COO), Michelle’s business savvy has continued to bring FOMA to a place of financial stability and influence, empowering its operations and in turn strengthening the osteopathic medical profession in Florida.

“When we did what she asked,” Steve said, “We became extremely financially stable as a statewide association. That's because of her ability and background. She knows how to operate an organization—what their needs are and how to negotiate. Now, we can give more to members, because we have such a strong financial backing.  

“Knowing that that’s the case and how well we’ve done, all I see in the future for FOMA is continued growth and continued financial growth. This was the right time for the right reasons for the person who earned it and deserved it.”

Steve also expressed gratitude for the strong working relationship between FOMA and ACOI over the years. ACOI looks forward to continuing to collaborate for years to come. Congratulations again to both Steve and Michelle on all they’ve done—and to FOMA on its powerful impact on osteopathic medicine in Florida!