ConnAPA Holds Annual Meeting and Honors Leaders at 50th Anniversary Celebration
Following the 50th Anniversary Dinner on June 14th, ConnAPA members gathered for the Annual Business Meeting and presentation of annual awards. The evening recognized our current leaders, honored past presidents, and celebrated the outstanding achievements of members who embody ConnAPA’s mission.
President Cayla Daniele opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and recognizing the ConnAPA Board of Directors, past board members, and past presidents in attendance, along with several former AAPA presidents who joined the celebration. She also extended appreciation to ConnAPA’s long-standing partners, our lobbying team at Rome Smith & Kowalski and our management team at S&S Management, for their steadfast support.
Reflecting on her presidency, Cayla shared how the theme of unity guided ConnAPA’s work over the past year. Together, the organization celebrated major milestones: hosting the first Northeast Regional PA Leadership Conference, holding a successful third annual leadership retreat, advocating on Capitol Hill, raising funds at the Golf Outing for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, expanding the Charter Oak Conference, contributing to national policy at the AAPA House of Delegates, and hosting a dynamic Student Day. Most notably, ConnAPA helped secure passage of the PA Compact in Connecticut, a historic step forward for PA mobility and patient access.
Committee chairs then provided updates on their work, highlighting the collective strength of ConnAPA’s membership across advocacy, education, student engagement, diversity initiatives, communications, and more.
The membership also approved the 2025–2026 slate of officers, with Sheyla Marranca elected President, Nick Patino as President-Elect, Courtney Murray as Treasurer, and Shilpa Mistry-Carey, Alan Olson, and Deanna Sgambato as Directors-at-Large.
The evening also featured the presentation of ConnAPA’s Annual Awards, recognizing individuals for their leadership, service, and contributions:
- PA of the Year: Jason Prevelige – honored for his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing the PA profession. In addition to ConnAPA’s recognition, Jason received a framed Certificate of Accomplishment from U.S. Senator Chris Murphy.
- PA Student of the Year: Courtney Litts – recognized for her academic excellence, service, and contributions as a PA student leader.
- Leadership Award: Nick Patino – celebrated for his vision and creativity, including leading ConnAPA’s rebrand and national video project, and for his financial stewardship and commitment as he steps into the role of President-Elect.
- Service Award: Courtney Murray – honored for her many years of dedication to ConnAPA, particularly her leadership in modernizing communications, managing social media, and providing consistent, behind-the-scenes support.
- Initiative Award: Alec Williams – recognized for his fresh ideas, energy, and early contributions, including producing the 50th anniversary video montage and helping lead Student Day.
- Certificate of Appreciation: Representative Cristin McCarthy-Vahey – recognized for her leadership in advancing the PA Compact through the Connecticut General Assembly.
- President’s Awards: S&S Management and Rome Smith & Kowalski – honored for their decades of partnership and tireless work behind the scenes to ensure ConnAPA’s success.
In a heartfelt moment, Immediate Past President Sarah Adams closed the program by honoring Cayla Daniele’s presidency. Sarah reflected on Cayla’s authenticity, courage, and steady leadership, noting how her vision of unity carried ConnAPA through a year of extraordinary progress:
“Cayla led with authenticity, purpose, follow through and quiet strength. She built unity, lifted up others, and brought thoughtful energy to every challenge. What started with uncertainty turned into something truly beautiful: a productive, engaged, and successful presidency that left ConnAPA stronger than she found it.”
The evening concluded with the Passing of the Gavel as Cayla formally welcomed Sheyla Marranca as ConnAPA’s new President, effective July 1, 2025.
The Annual Business Meeting marked not just the close of a milestone night but the start of an exciting new chapter for ConnAPA—grounded in unity, fueled by leadership, and ready for the next 50 years.