President-Elect 

Trent Hickes (Self-Nominated) Three-Year term including President and Past President
UCHealth Director, Physician Relations - Metro Denver
Denver, Colorado

Trent Hickes is the Director of Physician Relations for the Metro Denver Region at UCHealth in Denver, Colorado. With 16 years of physician liaison leadership experience across Montana, North Carolina, and Colorado, he brings a strategic, relationship-centered approach to strengthening referral networks, improving access, and elevating physician engagement.

Trent is known for building interdepartmental alignment and coaching high-performing teams through inclusion, accountability, and data-informed results.

An American Association of Physician Liaisons (AAPL) member for 12 years, he serves on the Board of Directors and co-chairs both the Resource Development Committee and the Managers & Directors SIG.

Why Trent would make a good candidate: 

Treasurer

Micah Parks (Self-Nominated) Two-Year Term
Director, Oncology and Surgical Liaisons
Texas Oncology, Dallas, Texas

Micah Parks, MBA, is the Director of Oncology and Surgical Liaisons at Texas Oncology, where he leads liaison teams across multiple markets to drive physician engagement, referral growth, and strategic alignment. With over eight years of experience in oncology services, Micah brings a strong background in finance, radiology, and healthcare operations. He is actively involved in the American Association of Physician Liaisons (AAPL), contributing to committee work and professional development initiatives. Micah has also served in various roles on nonprofit boards, strengthening his expertise in governance, collaboration, and organizational growth while maintaining a strong commitment to advancing patient-centered care.

Why I would make a good candidate: 

I would be a strong candidate for AAPL because my involvement with the American Association of Physician Liaisons has been consistent, practical, and service-oriented—focused on advancing the physician liaison profession through participation, leadership, and contribution.

Over the years, I have remained an active AAPL member and have intentionally used AAPL as a platform for continued professional development and connection to best practices in physician relations. I have also engaged in AAPL’s governance process as a voting member (including completing the AAPL Board of Directors election survey when distributed)

My AAPL involvement has extended beyond membership to hands-on engagement through committees and special interest groups. In 2024, I formally selected involvement with the Program Planning Committee and the Manager SIG as my focus areas, reflecting my commitment to both conference planning and leadership development within the liaison community. Since then, I have participated in ongoing AAPL Program Planning Committee meetings, including documented monthly committee meetings and agenda-driven planning sessions coordinated by AAPL.

I also support AAPL’s live learning and networking efforts by actively planning for conference participation, including confirmed registration and travel logistics for the AAPL 2026 Annual Conference in Austin. Additionally, I have contributed ideas to strengthen attendee engagement—such as providing input when AAPL requested support with an annual conference icebreaker/activity concept.

Finally, I was honored to be encouraged to self-nominate for board service, which I view as an opportunity to expand my contribution and help AAPL continue elevating our profession.

At-large Directors

Mike Becallo (Self-Nominated) Two-Year Term
Community Relations Representative
Oswego Health, Oswego, New York

Why I would make a good candidate: 

I believe I would be a strong candidate for the AAPL Board of Directors because my professional work and personal leadership experience closely align with AAPL’s mission. In my role, I support physician liaison activities through provider outreach, building referral relationships, community partnerships, and connecting physicians and patients with Oswego Health services. Beyond my work, I have demonstrated leadership through public service as an elected Town Councilor and as a firefighter. These roles have strengthened my ability to communicate, make decisions, serve my community, work as part of a team, and lead with accountability. The AAPL Liaison Connect Mentorship Program has also been fantastic for my career. Monica has given me tools, guidance, and confidence that have truly helped boost my ability in my role. Because of that experience, I would be excited to help support and encourage new Physician Liaisons as they grow in the profession. I am passionate about advancing the physician liaison profession and would bring real-world experience, strong relationship-building skills, and a deep commitment to service, collaboration, mentorship, and leadership to the AAPL Board.