March is Women’s History Month, and again this year, the American Limb Preservation Society (ALPS) proudly celebrates 5 extraordinary women in ALPS leadership. Through their expertise and unwavering dedication, these trailblazers are not only making history in our association but also shaping the future of limb preservation in the US and beyond. Meet them here:
Meet ALPS CEO: Georgia Krehbiel, MBA
Georgia Krehbiel has been the CEO of ALPS since 2022. With more than 25 years of experience in national and international organizations, she has a proven track record of leading strategic initiatives that drive revenue and expand programs for those in need.
About her leadership, Founding President David Armstrong emphasizes:
“As CEO of ALPS, Georgia’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in shaping the organization’s success and impact. Her strategic thinking, compassionate approach, and especially her dedication to eliminating preventable amputation over the next generation have inspired countless individuals within our community and beyond. She truly embodies the spirit of women making history. Here’s to our boss, Georgia Krehbiel!”
Before joining ALPS, Krehbiel served as National Director of Development at the Adult Congenital Heart Association and has worked extensively on improving health equity at local, state, and federal levels.
A recognized thought leader, she has been instrumental in fostering strategic partnerships that fund program expansion and clinical research.
Meet ALPS Founding Vice President: Dr. Stephanie Wu
Dr. Stephanie Wu, the Founding Vice President of ALPS, is a leading expert in podiatric medicine and limb preservation.
She serves as the Dean of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine and Professor in the Department of Podiatric Surgery and Applied Biomechanics at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.
Her dedication to advancing podiatric medicine has earned her over 50 prestigious awards, including the Edward James Olmos Limb Preservation Award and the Podiatric Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award.
She is a globally sought-after speaker, having delivered over 500 keynote lectures in 38 countries.
ALPS CEO Georgia Krehbiel praises her contributions:
“Stephanie Wu has been a trailblazer in podiatry and limb preservation, having received numerous accolades and awards throughout her career. We are grateful to have her as an integral part of our Society as ALPS Founding Vice President.”
When asked about her perspective on Women’s History Month, Dr. Wu shared:
“I want to be a role model for females and underrepresented students and be a part of the mentoring and training of future leaders of podiatric medicine.”
Meet DFCon Course Director: Dr. Karen Bauer
Dr. Karen Bauer is a Wound Certified and Vascular Surgery Nurse Practitioner wth a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from The University of Toledo. She has been practicing as a wound practitioner for over 18 years and in vascular surgery for over 8 years, and recently joined Emory University Division of Vascular Surgery to help establish a limb preservation program.
She is the immediate past-President of the Society for Vascular Nursing (SVN), and a long-time Board Member and Fellow of the AAWC. She is a Board Member of the Save a Leg Save a Life Foundation and the Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders. She also serves as Course Director for DFCon 2026.
“Karen Bauer is a visionary leader and true trailblazer in limb preservation. Her tireless dedication and innovative approach have not only transformed how multidisciplinary teams collaborate but have also given countless patients the chance to live fuller, healthier lives. Beyond her remarkable clinical achievements, Karen inspires and mentors the next generation of limb preservation specialists, leaving a legacy of excellence, hope, and progress that will shape this field for years to come,” shares Georgia Krehbiel, MBA, CEO of ALPS.
Dr. Bauer participates on the American Heart Association’s Peripheral Artery Disease National Action Plan Steering Committee and is an editorial reviewer for many scientific journals. Dr. Bauer lectures regionally, nationally, and internationally and is a published writer.
Meet Member of ALPS Board of Directors: Dr. Cy Dove
Dr. Cyaandi Dove is a highly respected podiatrist and clinical researcher known for her groundbreaking work in limb preservation. She currently serves as the Director of Clinical Research at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and joined the ALPS Board of Directors in 2024. She also leads the ALPS Health Equity and Advocacy Committee.
With her extensive background in podiatry and research, Dr. Dove brings invaluable expertise to ALPS and CEO Georgia Krehbiel recognizes her impact:
“Cy is a powerhouse in podiatry and limb preservation, and her strong commitment to advancing limb preservation and health equity not only elevates the conversation but also drives meaningful change. It is a pleasure to be working alongside her and witness the impact she is making.”
For Women’s History Month, Dr. Dove comments:
“Fancy titles, shiny trophies and accolades are wonderful, but they have never been a motivational force for me. The north star of my career has always been about helping and healing my patients. For every journey I take with a patient or a new research project, I evolve, innovate, and contribute to the field of limb salvage. I couple my clinical practice and research with mentoring. I’ve been privileged to challenge and uplift the next generation of young female physicians. I believe it is pivotal to foster resilience and purpose for young, female doctors. This Women’s History Month, I honor the long tradition of dedication, purpose, and strength in all of the women who have paved the road, that guides me on my journey.”
Meet Member of ALPS Board of Directors: Dr. Kate McGinigle
Dr. Katharine McGinigle is an accomplished vascular surgeon-scientist committed to improving outcomes for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetes-related complications.
She serves as a vascular surgeon at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and joined the ALPS Board of Directors in 2024.
Dr. McGinigle has been the principal investigator on multiple research projects and clinical trials, holding leadership positions in esteemed organizations such as the Society for Vascular Surgery, the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society, and the Vascular Quality Initiative Patient Safety Organization. She also serves on the editorial board of Surgery and contributes as a reviewer for medical journals including JAMA Surgery and Journal of Vascular Surgery.
ALPS CEO Georgia Krehbiel applauds her expertise:
“Kate McGinigle’s dedication to advancing vascular science is truly inspiring, and her expertise and passion for limb preservation align perfectly with ALPS’s mission to drive innovation and excellence in the field.”
Dr. McGinigle was also the recipient of the ALPS Traveling Fellowship in 2022, an initiative designed to support rising leaders in the field of limb preservation.
Be Part of a Global Effort in Limb Preservation
American Limb Preservation Society is dedicated to eliminating preventable amputations through collaboration, education, and innovation. With a growing network of international partnerships and multidisciplinary experts, ALPS is working to become the global leader in limb preservation education for clinicians, advancing best practices in limb salvage across healthcare systems worldwide.
ALPS is also the organization behind Diabetic Foot Conference and Diabetic Foot Update (DFU), the premier diabetic foot and limb preservation conferences in North America. DFCon brings together leading podiatrists, vascular surgeons, wound care specialists, nurses, and researchers to share cutting-edge treatments, research advancements, and interdisciplinary strategies in diabetic foot care.
By becoming a member of ALPS, you can connect with leaders in the field, gain access to exclusive educational resources, and contribute to groundbreaking initiatives that are shaping the future of multidisciplinary limb salvage worldwide.
Join ALPS today and make an impact with us: 🔗 Become a Member