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Rao received a BA in Philosophy from St Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., a Masters in Speech Pathology from Catholic University in Washington DC and a PhD in Hearing & Speech Science from The University of Maryland in College Park. My half century career has been devoted to adult rehabilitation. I retired as VP of Operations and Compliance at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington DC and continue to serve as a Rehabilitation Consultant. I am the lead editor of both editions of National Rehab’s “Managing Stroke: A Guide To Living Well.” I have served as a CARF Administration and Program Surveyor for over two decades and served as President of The American Speech Language & Hearing Association (ASHA) in 2011 and received ASHA Honors in 2021. I served on the NAA Board for 4 years (2005-2009) and am delighted and honored to be asked to return to the NAA Board. I have a 50 year history of advocacy for persons with aphasia, presented frequently on aphasia advocacy and chaired a National NAA “Speaking Out” Conference. I enjoy a national reputation in aphasia circles as a clinician, author, presenter, and expert panelist. I have served on several boards e.g., The Childrens Guild and The Stroke Comeback, Inc. and am now serving as a member on the Hearing & Speech Agency of Metropolitan Baltimore, Inc.