SOMSA Announces Jhett Epp as Recipient of the 2026 Dana Leach Administrator of the Year Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOMSA Announces Jhett Epp as Recipient of the 2026 Dana Leach Administrator of the Year Award
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Society of OMS Administrators (SOMSA) is proud to announce that Jhett Epp, Practice Administrator of Northern Virginia Surgical Arts, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Dana Leach Administrator of the Year Award.
Presented annually at the SOMSA Annual Conference, the Dana Leach Administrator of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional oral and maxillofacial surgery practice administrator who demonstrates excellence in leadership, education, authenticity, innovation, compliance, and networking—the six core values that guide SOMSA and reflect the legacy of former SOMSA President Dana Leach. Dana's passion for the profession, dedication to supporting OMS administrators, and commitment to helping others continue to inspire the Society today.
With the addition of Jhett Epp to this distinguished group of honorees, the Dana Leach Administrator of the Year Award continues its tradition of recognizing exceptional leaders in OMS practice management. Previous recipients include
- Karen Costello (2025), North Mississippi Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, Tupelo, Mississippi;
- Stacie Buchta (2024), Ivey Oral & Facial Surgery, Centennial, Colorado;
- Deon Johnston (2023), MOSAIC – Maxillofacial Surgical Arts & Implant Center, Tampa, Florida;
- David Nye (2022), Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, South Carolina and Georgia;
- and Julie Simpson (2020), Southwest Florida Oral & Facial Surgery, Fort Myers, Florida.
As Practice Administrator for Northern Virginia Surgical Arts, Epp has overseen operations across five oral surgery offices and three medical spa locations, providing leadership in clinical operations, finance, compliance, marketing, team development, and long-term strategic planning. Her colleagues describe her as a trusted advisor, a servant leader, and a driving force behind both organizational growth and team success.
"Jhett didn't just step into a role, she built it," said Dr. Joseph M. Arzadon of Northern Virginia Surgical Arts. "She took ownership of every moving part of the organization and elevated it with a level of care, accountability, and heart that is incredibly rare."
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Epp has dedicated significant time to volunteer service through Medical Mission of Mercy programs, supporting underserved communities in countries including the Philippines and Guatemala. Her commitment to service reflects the belief that leadership extends beyond the walls of the practice and into the communities it serves.
Those who work alongside Epp consistently point to her ability to develop others, foster trust, and lead with integrity. One colleague noted that her influence leaves people "stronger, more confident, and better because they had the privilege of working with her."
"Jhett exemplifies the qualities this award was created to honor," said Linden Tucker, Executive Director of SOMSA. "Her leadership has strengthened her practice, her mentorship has elevated those around her, and her commitment to service reflects the very best of our profession. We are honored to recognize her as the 2026 Dana Leach Administrator of the Year."
The Dana Leach Administrator of the Year Award was established in memory of Dana Leach, who served as SOMSA President from 2017 to 2018 and as a member of the Board of Directors for six years. During his career, Dana helped grow Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery from seven offices to twenty locations and was widely respected for his commitment to supporting OMS administrators across the country. The award recipient receives the honeycomb-shaped crystal award first presented posthumously to Dana in 2019 in recognition of his leadership and service.
About SOMSA
Founded in 2004, the Society of OMS Administrators (SOMSA) is dedicated to the professional and personal development of oral and maxillofacial surgery practice administrators. Through educational programming, networking opportunities, leadership development, and peer support, SOMSA equips administrators to lead successful practices while advancing the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Today, SOMSA serves a nationwide community of professionals committed to excellence in OMS practice management.
Media Contact:
Linden Tucker
Executive Director
Society of OMS Administrators (SOMSA)
info@somsa.org
www.somsa.org
