James C. Appleby, BSPharm, MPH, ScD (Hon), is the CEO of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), the nation's largest interdisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, clinical practice, and policy in the aging field. The society’s 6,500 expert members advance innovation in aging and disseminate research insights for scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and the public. GSA’s National Center to Reframe Aging is the trusted source for proven communication strategies and tools to effectively frame aging issues. The center is reshaping the conventional negative narrative around aging that dominates public understanding and advancing new strategies to end ageism in American culture. GSA is also advancing policy and clinical practice on major issues affecting us all as we age including improving adult immunization rates, enabling earlier detection of cognitive impairment, improving oral health, and treating obesity and overweight in older adults.  

Appleby holds a BS in pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science, as well as an MPH from Temple University, and has been awarded an honorary ScD from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.  He is a member of the National Alliance for Caregiving Board of Directors and serves as co-chair of the mayor’s Age-Friendly DC Task Force in Washington, D.C.