Written by Jason Prevelege
The 2017 Annual Meeting of ConnAPA was held at Fleming’s Steakhouse in West Hartford on June 7, 2017. Sanofi-Pasteur sponsored the event and Jef Bratberg, PharmD, of the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, spoke about the latest advancements in influenza vaccination and adult vaccination in general.
His talk was followed by the business portion. After approval of the minutes from the 2016 meeting, Immediate Past President, Andrew Turczak, presented the slate of officers for an official ballot to be cast by the secretary. The new officers will take office on July 1, 2017 and are as follows:
President: Deanna Zimkus
Vice President: Michael Devanney
Secretary: Johanna D’Addarrio
Treasurer: Sarah Clark
Directors at Large:
Andrew Turczak
Kevin Hickman
Matthew Mancini
Meghan Petitti
Cayla Allard
Mark Turczak
Sheree’ Piperidis
L->R: Matthew Mancini, Meghan Petitti, Cayla Allard, Deanna Zimkus, Mark Turczak, Jason Prevelige, Michael Devanney, Johanna D’Addardio (not pictured: Sarah Clark, Andrew Turczak, Kevin Hickman, Sheree’ Piperidis)
President Jason Prevelige, then gave his yearly report and spoke of the success of this year’s Charter Oak Conference and the Lyman Orchard PA Week Social, the planning for a one day CME focused on opioid education for the end of the 2017 PA Week, next year’s Charter Oak Conference plans, the modernization of the organization’s Policy and Procedures, Bylaws and Constitution, the future of the Student Leadership Symposium, legislative affairs and the importance of membership.
Outgoing President Jason Prevelige presents the gavel to incoming President Deanna Zimkus.
Following were reports of the budget from Executive Director Mark Schuman, Membership from Michael Devanney, Education & Conference Planning from Deanna Zimkus, and Legislative Affairs from Linda Kowalski, David Boomer and Jonathan Weber.
The evening ended with the presentation of awards.
Service Awards were presented to Jonathan Weber and Dan Mussen in appreciation for their many hours invested in the legislative affairs of the organization.
Jason Prevelege, Jon Weber (not pictured, Dan Mussen, co-Service Award winner)
An Initiative Award was presented to Mark Turczak in appreciation for his eagerness to jump in as a new board member and plan the Student Leadership Symposium and now the 2018 Charter Oak Conference.
The President’s Award was presented to Michael Devanney for his overall leadership and support, as well as his hard work in improving the membership of the organization.
Finally, the inaugural PA of the Year was awarded to John McNab, of Hartford Hospital, for his nearly 30 years of activism and volunteerism, professional service, commitment to his patients and community, and education of students.
(READ MORE ABOUT THE AWARD HERE.)
