Congratulations to BOC 2024 Dave Montgomery Public Advocacy Award Winners

During the CARE Conference 2024, the 2024 BOC Dave Montgomery Public Advocacy Award, which honors Dave Montgomery, a longtime advocate who made demonstrable and long-standing contributions for the athletic training profession was presented. This year’s honorees were the New York State Athletic Trainers’ Association (NYSATA) and the South Carolina Athletic Trainers’ Association (SCATA). Both states passed laws that transition their law from state certification to state licensure.

The NYSATA award was submitted by and accepted by President of NYSATA, Lauren Stephenson, ATC. The nomination letter stated: “The entire (government affairs) committee co-chaired by Aimee Brunelle and Deanna Errico in accordance with lobbyist Karin Carreau-Spencer have been integral in passing the Athletic Training Licensure bill last legislative session that was signed into law by Governor Hochul on December 22, 2023. This piece of legislation was long overdue after over 12 years of advocating for the profession in NY. Passing of this bill and, the subsequent chapter amendment, protected our title and scope was a huge stride for athletic trainers as well as the public served by ATs in New York.”

The SCATA award was submitted by SCATA Governmental Affairs Chair, Larkin Smith, ATC and the award was accepted by SCATA Legislative Representative Zach Richards, ATC. The nomination letter stated: “…SCATA constructed bill S.397 at the beginning of the session in January 2023. This bill was the last bill to pass the session in June 2023. Senator Katrina Shealy was a key contributor in this bill passing both houses and being signed in less than 7 months. SCATA’s Executive Council, committee chairs, and members have consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to enhancing the profession with this initiative. Increases in regulation are solely to enhance the safety and well-being of athletes and the public. Our hope as an organization, in return, is to guarantee every athletic trainer hired in South Carolina is properly qualified to the highest standard. In addition, all athletic trainers in the state of South Carolina, no matter their work setting, will be able to practice and provide care to the extent of their skill set; these qualifications being met will allow every athlete and public personnel to be treated and cared for to the highest degree.”