ACFAS Regions

Big West Region

Alberta, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming

Big West Region President

Austin Matthews, DPM, MHPE, FACFAS
Torrington, WY
Contact the Big West Region

Big West Region State Liaisons

The Big West Region has appointed the following members of ACFAS to serve as liaisons from the following states:

• Arizona: Vanousheh Ghandhari, DPM, FACFAS 
• Idaho: Randal Wraalstad, DPM, FACFAS
• Kansas: David Laha, DPM, FACFAS 
• Montana: Ronald Ray, DPM, FACFAS 
• New Mexico: pending
• North Dakota: Rachael Renschler, DPM, FACFAS 
• Wyoming: Monica Schweinberger, DPM, FACFAS

Recent Activity and Upcoming Events

ACFAS Big West Region Membership Meeting  

Date: Thursday, March 27
Time: 12:30-1:30 pm MT
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Room 221C 

The Big West Region is holding a meeting of its members during the 2025 ACFAS Annual Scientific Conference in Phoenix. We hope that you can join us to meet your Region officers, hear about their support of local education, research, plans for the upcoming year, and more! Members who attend will be entered into a drawing for a pair of Apple Air Pods Pro.

We hope to see you in Phoenix!

ACFAS Big West Region New Officer Elected

After a successful election filling one open officer position, we have an updated slate of officers for the College’s Big West Region:

President 
Austin Matthews, DPM, FACFAS, Torrington, WY

Vice President
Haywan Chiu, DPM, FACFAS, Albuquerque, NM

Secretary/Treasurer
Bryan Hall, DPM, FACFAS, Tucson, AZ

Congratulations and welcome to Dr. Hall! The new slate’s terms will commence at the 2025 ACFAS Annual Scientific Conference, taking place in Phoenix, AZ, March 27-30, with pre-conference programming starting on March 26.

Thanks to all candidates on the ballot and to those members that took the time to vote. Also, many thanks to Dr. Jeffrey McAlister for his leadership as he completes his term as Big West Region President. Please watch your email for information about the latest activity of the Big West Region or visit this webpage.

Region Goals for First Half of 2025

• Attend Region Presidents Council Meeting held during the Annual Scientific Conference in Phoenix, AZ
• Host ACFAS Big West Region Meeting held during the Annual Scientific Conference in Phoenix, AZ
• ACFAS Big West Region support of posters and manuscripts presented at the Annual Scientific Conference in Phoenix, AZ

Dues

A portion of ACFAS member dues is allocated for Region activities. Regions use these funds to further the goals of ACFAS at the state and local level and to promote the superior care of foot and ankle surgical patients through education, research and promotion of the highest professional standards. Regions also work on outreach to students and residents, helping to give them a successful start in their careers as foot and ankle surgeons.

Regions are affiliate organizations of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. They are granted a charter and license to use the ACFAS name and logo, are mandated by their own articles of incorporation and bylaws, and remain separate entities from the parent organization.

For more information about Region activities, please contact Michelle Kennedy, ACFAS Chief Engagement Officer.