Leadership Awards

To honor its exceptional volunteers and leaders, the SDPA selects three to five individuals annually to recognize and highlight for their excellence and dedication to the Society. The awards change from year to year in number and title based on outstanding leadership in different areas. In general, awards presented are: Outstanding Board Member of the Year, Outstanding Committee Chair of the Year, Outstanding Committee Member of the Year and Board Service Award.

Congratulations to all winners! As a reminder, SDPA is always looking for members who are interested in volunteering for one of its many committees. Volunteering is a great way to network, develop leadership skills and invest in the future of the DermPA™ profession. Consider volunteering today! Please see our winners below.

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2023-2024 Award Winners

  • Committee Member of the Year: Michael Rubio, MPAS, PA-C
  • Committee Chair of the Year: Cynthia Griffith, MPAS, PA-C
  • Board Member of the Year: Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
  • Board Service to SDPA: Holly Glover, MSed, MPAS, MBA, PA-C
  • Service as SDPA President: Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
  • Service as DPAF Chair: Renata Block, MMS, PA-C

2022-2023 Award Winners

  • Outstanding Committee Member: Desiree Morrison, PA-C
  • Outstanding Committee Chair: Jameka McElroy, MPAS, PA-C
  • Outstanding Board Member: Sarah Vicari, MMS, PA-C

2021-2022 Award Winners

  • Outstanding Committee Member: Kristen Kuhn, MPAS, PA-C
  • Outstanding Committee Chair: Melissa Hutzler, PA-C
  • Outstanding Board Member: Kristin Rygg, MPAS, PA-C
  • Board Service Award: Keri Squittieri, PA-C
  • President 2021-22: Renata Block, MMS, PA-C

2020-2021 Award Winners

  • Board Member of the Year: Sarah Wilchowski, MS, PA-C
  • Committee Chair of the Year: Francesca Wolfe, MPAS, PA-C
  • Committee Member of the Year: Victoria Maloney, MPAS, PA-C

Previous Award Winners and Honorees:

2018

  • Board Member of the Year: Gina Mangin
  • Committee Chair of the Year: Keri Holyoak

2017

  • Board Member of the Year: Archana Sangha
  • Committee Chair of the Year: Kristen Grippe & Jennifer Winter
  • Committee Member of the Year: Susan Hammerling

2016

  • Board Member of the Year: Jennifer Conner
  • Committee Chair of the Year: Lauren Zajac
  • Committee Member of the Year: Gina Deblasio

2015

  • Committee Chair of the Year: Gina Bird

2014

  • Board Member of the Year: Jacki Kment & Jennifer Conner
  • Committee Chair of the Year: Archana Sangha

Previous SDPA State Affiliates of the Year:

  • 2017: Georgia Dermatology Physician Assistants (GDPA)
  • 2016: Pennsylvania Dermatology Physician Assistants (PDPA)
  • 2015: Georgia Dermatology Physician Assistants (GDPA)
  • 2014: Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (FSDPA)

Lifetime Achievement Awards

In 2015 during the SDPA's 20th Anniversary Celebration in Indianapolis, the SDPA award Lifetime Achievement Awards to four unique individual who have contributed significantly throughout their lifetimes to the field of dermatology and that of PAs in dermatology specifically. Each of our honorees have put countless hours and tireless dedication into further goals in alignment with the SDPA's mission and vision and are true assets to the field of dermatology. Lifetime achievement award winners include:

  • Abby Jacobson, MPAS, PA-C
  • Robert Higham, MPAS, PA-C
  • Jim Page, PA-C
  • Steven Frank, MD