NBPME
Setting America’s Standard for Podiatric Medical Licensure
The Client
The National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) enacts the policy, guides the development, and oversees the administration of the examinations used for podiatric medical licensure in the United States.
NBPME is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and was established in 1956.
The American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (APMLE) is the series of exams overseen by the NBPMLE that a person must successfully complete to be eligible for licensure to practice podiatric medicine in the United States.
The Challenge
The NBPME has existed for 70 years. Throughout the organization’s history, there has been limited attention given to its public-facing brand or web assets or for the APMLE, which is managed by the NBPME.
While the NBPME and the APMLE are connected, they are different entities serving different purposes, each requiring unique positioning and identities without losing their relation to the other.
NBPME, seeking to modernize the organization, approached Pugh & Tiller to help design and develop new web properties, create new visual branding, and refine messaging for both organizations. Further adding to this challenge was the fact that both the NBPMLE and APMLE were using old, disparate systems for their website, operations, and marketing.
The Solution
Part 1: Operational and Marketing Automation Systems Audit
Much of an organization’s success depends on the strength of the systems on which it relies. In order to meet the challenges outlined by the NBPME and bring the organization into the future, it was crucial to first optimize its back-end systems. For this reason, Pugh & Tiller proposed and conducted a comprehensive systems audit for NBPMLE. The audit included:
- Reviewing communication tools, contact management, marketing, data management, financial management, event/project management, and customer service systems;
- Mapping out workflows to identify opportunities for automation and optimization;
- Evaluating data security measures and ensure compliance with regulations;
- Gathering insights from team members to understand pain points and areas for improvement;
- Providing a detailed report with findings and initial system upgrade recommendations.
Part 2: Google Workspace Implementation, Training, and Support
After completing the systems audit, Pugh & Tiller proposed and completed back-end operational systems upgrade for NBPME to Google Workspace. This initiative included:
- Set up and configuration of NBPME’s transition to Google Workspace;
- Training for NBPME team members to effectively adopt and use Google Workspace;
- Assistance for troubleshooting and resolving issues related to the new system.
Part 3: Branding & Website Development
With the operational systems in place, Pugh & Tiller proposed and delivered dual-track branding and web development initiative on behalf of the NBPME and APMLE. This project presented the opportunity to clarify and strengthen the roles, identities, and digital presence of both entities.
Track One focus for NBPME:
- Establish a clear, authoritative brand for NBPME, including messaging (e.g., mission, value proposition, narrative positioning) and a modernized visual system;
- Design and build a simple, focused website (e.g., nbpme.org) to serve as NBPME’s organizational home, distinct from APMLE but clearly connected.
Track Two focus for APMLE:
- Refine the verbal and visual identity of APMLE to better communicate with exam candidates, institutions, and licensing boards, ensuring clarity, credibility, and consistency;
- Conduct a full audit, re-architecture, and redesign of the APMLE website to create a user-centered, accessible, and scalable platform.
The Results
The Operational and Marketing Automation Systems Audit – Operational Transformation & Systems Clarity
- Gained a comprehensive view of the full technology ecosystem, replacing fragmented tools and undocumented workflows with a defined operational framework.
- Established a strategic modernization roadmap with improved data governance, risk visibility, and internal alignment.
Google Workspace Implementation – Secure, Scalable Infrastructure
- Unified communication, collaboration, and document management into a centralized, secure platform.
- Reduced operational risk while improving transparency, onboarding efficiency, and long-term scalability.
Branding – Clarity Across Two Distinct Entities
- Clearly differentiated NBPME and APMLE while maintaining a cohesive institutional connection.
- Delivered unified messaging and visual systems that strengthened authority, credibility, and consistency across audiences.
Website Design and Development – Modern, User-Centered Digital Experience
- Transformed outdated web properties into accessible, structured, and intuitive platforms.
- Improved navigation, content clarity, and scalability to support candidates, institutions, and future growth.
