Maybe People Aren’t Buying What AOTA Is Selling
AOTA held its annual business meeting this week. There were the expected reports about advocacy wins, strategic priorities, publications, communities of practice, and the upcoming conference. There was also a rather substantial financial problem. AOTA finished fiscal year 2026 with an operating deficit of approximately $3.4 million . Investment income covered nearly all of that amount, leaving a comparatively small overall loss of about $100,000. That sounds reassuring until you separate investment performance from regular operations. AOTA did not come close to paying its operating expenses with the money it generated through membership, conferences, accreditation, continuing education, publications, and other routine activities. The investment portfolio rescued the income statement. That is fortunate, but it is not a business model. The budget was balanced with assumptions the Board already doubted The most remarkable disclosure came from Treasurer Bryant Edwards. He described the...