CPMA's Althea Finley, Rest in Peace
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Althea Finley on Thursday, October 9th, following a recent hospitalization. Her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her and by the many whose lives she touched throughout her long and dedicated career.
Althea was the longest-serving member of the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) staff, where she devoted over 33 years of service. Over the past several years, she held the esteemed positions of Director of Professional Relations and Director of Governmental Affairs, in which she worked closely with the CPMA Board of Directors, its committees, and the California delegation to the APMA House of Delegates, contributing to meaningful progress and lasting impact within the podiatric community.
Throughout her remarkable career, Althea was known for her professionalism, dedication, and unwavering support. She provided invaluable guidance and logistical expertise to CPMA leadership, ensuring that every endeavor was met with purpose and care. Her thoughtful approach and steadfast commitment earned her the respect and affection of CPMA Presidents, Directors, Consultants, Committee Chairs, her co-workers and countless volunteers alike.
Althea’s contributions to CPMA and to the podiatric medical community in California are immeasurable. Her legacy is one of service, excellence, and genuine compassion — a reflection of the countless lives she enriched through her work and friendship.
Plans are underway for a Celebration of Life in February, where colleagues, friends, and members of the community can gather to honor Althea’s extraordinary life and legacy — details will follow as they develop.
Those wishing to share condolences or memories currently are invited to contact me at mcornelison@calpma.org.
We will be holding The 2026 Western Foot and Ankle Conference in memory of Althea. We will also be playing a special slideshow to remember her during the House of Delegates. If you have thoughts, memories, or photos of Althea to share, please send them to me at mcornelison@calpma.org so we can share them with her family and perhaps use them for the memorial presentation.
Thank you for your patience with CPMA business during this time of loss. We are working toward filling her role, though it will be impossible to fill her shoes or the holes in our hearts.
View Althea's obituary, which is a lovely tribute to the woman she was, and also has some wonderful family and Western photos to enjoy, by clicking the button below.
View Althea's Obituary
Sincerely,
Michael J. Cornelison, DPM
Executive Director
California Podiatric Medical Association