Leadership Nominations & Elections
Welcome to the 2026 Nominations and Elections Cycle
Our Academy is powered by members like you—individuals who care deeply about advancing pelvic and abdominal health physical therapy. Each year, the Nominating Committee invites members to step forward as candidates or to lift up others who would make great leaders. Your nominations help us build a diverse, vibrant leadership team that reflects the strength of our community. Explore this page to learn about the nominations process, election timeline, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can continue to grow, inspire, and lead the way forward.
🧘 Namaste for Nominations: Stretch Into Leadership
Anaheim, California | Friday, February 13, 2025 | 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Whether you're considering a future leadership position or simply curious about how the election process works, this is your chance to ask questions, get inspired, and explore the many ways you can get involved. We encourage you to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Let’s breathe, move, and lead—together.
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💼 Available Positions
- President-Elect (Feb 2027-Feb 2028; 1 vacancy)
- Director-at-Large (Feb 2027-Feb 2030; 2 vacancies)
- Nominating Committee Member (Feb 2027-Feb 2028; 2-year term; 1 vacancy)
- Nominating Committee Member (Feb 2027-Feb 2029; 3-year term; 1 vacancy)
- Pediatric Health SIG Director (Feb 2027-Feb 2029; 2 vacancies)
- Male Health SIG Director (Feb 2027-Feb 2029; 2 vacancies)
- Pregnancy & Postpartum SIG Director (Feb 2027-Feb 2029; 2 vacancies)
- Early-Career SIG Director (Feb 2027-Feb 2029; 2 vacancies)
📝 Complete Required Forms
Both Nomination Forms & Candidate Applications are due by April 1, 2026.
- Nomination Recommendation Form - for members to complete by April 1, 2026, when nominating fellow members or themselves for a position.
- Nominee Application Form - for nominated candidates to complete by April 1, 2026.
🗓️ Nominations & Elections Timeline
Timeline subject to change by the Nominating Committee.
- April 1, 2026 - Nominations and nominee applications are due by 12:00 AM EST, April 1, 2026.
- April 2-30, 2026 - Nominating Committee to commence a review of all applications, nomination recommendations, and meet with prospective candidates before finalizing the slate by end of April.
- May 14, 2026 - Candidate video campaign statements due from selected candidates
- June 1, 2026 - Questions for candidates due from Academy members
- June 15, 2026 - Elections open at 3:00 PM EDT. Answers to candidate questions published for Academy members. Online poll for elections and bylaws amendments (if applicable) to open for 30 days. Voting invitations will be sent via e-mail to members on June 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT. Members must make sure that their Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy memberships are up-to-date and in good standing. Please visit APTA Membership Renew to check on your membership status and renew if it is going to expire soon. As a reminder, Student members may only vote in the Early-Career SIG Director elections.
- July 15, 2026 - Elections close at 3:00 PM EDT. Nominating Committee to inform candidates of results and election results to be announced to the membership over the next 2 weeks.
- February 1, 2027 - Newly elected members to complete orientations by this date
- February 2027 - Elected Candidates take office at the close of the 2026 General Business Meeting (date subject to change)
What Others Say About Leadership
- Academy Leadership Pathway Spotlight: Christine A. Cabelka, PT, MA, PhD, WCS, CLT - I ran for my elected position as a way to increase the voice for research within the Academy. The opportunity to serve in an elevated role within the Academy, and the profession helped me decide to say "yes" to leadership. Continue Reading
- Academy Leadership Pathway Spotlight: Darla B. Cathcart, PT, DPT, PhD, WCS - I first got involved with the CAPP-OB Committee and the Residency Committee concurrently. I heard about these early opportunities through colleagues who reached out to me to consider these roles. These experiences shaped me as I was encouraged by and learned from experienced volunteers in these groups... Continue Reading
- Academy Leadership Pathway Spotlight: Matt Harville, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT, PRPC - When I was on the Male Health Special Interest Group, we had a pop-up event where experts gave specialized talks on various aspects of male pelvic health. We had so many attendees, and it was very inspiring for me as a leader who helped to schedule and plan this event. Also, being able to discuss an... Continue Reading
I found my professional home in the Academy of Pelvic Health. I knew I wanted to get involved to help advance pelvic health and to give back to an organization that had given me so much in return.
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I have always had an interest in the practice area of PT and had served as Payment Chair and Federal Affairs Liaison for NM APTA (still in that role for my small Component). I have several years of experience lobbying in DC and at the state level for PT issues.
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When I first ran for Director of Communications, I wanted to serve the Academy further, and there were far less committee opportunities than there are now. I ran for Treasurer because as a private practice owner I had a strong interest in financial management for the organization. I thoroughly enjoyed my service in that position, and especially enjoyed educating other board members and Academy members on budgeting, understanding financial statements, and being more fiscally responsible. When I ran for President-Elect and then President, I was contacted and asked to run. It was not a position I was considering, but I can honestly say I am glad I decided to serve again. It stretched me, allowed me to develop some very special relationships, and grow as a professional.
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Someone encouraged me to run and I wanted to give back to the profession, I felt that I could offer a lot in terms of leadership and ideas to the Academy, I felt that it would help with my own professional and leadership development. It’s essential to have Board members who genuinely love the Academy and the profession, and who are dedicated to offering their servant leadership by putting the organization first.
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Giving back, working toward a shared mission, having the opportunity to meet and work with other people from across the country. I gained leadership skills, awareness of my leadership style, pride in the work the Academy does, a professional home. I feel grateful every day to be a part of this amazing organization!
Networking, meeting new friends, expanding my knowledge, creating new Position Statements and pieces of legislation. Proud to represent the Academy at APTA functions.
Team building, personal growth, service in a shared mission with others who are passionate about pelvic health, learn more about the operation of a not for profit organization, help plan the future direction of the Academy. Thanks for trusting me to serve the organization.
Establishing relationships, learning- I have learned so much with regards to meetings, operations, and leadership skills, forward thinking and planning for my profession and its growth.
Election Results
Inquiries
If you have any questions about elections or the positions, please do not hesitate to contact the Nominating Committee at nomcomm@aptapelvichealth.org.
Additional Resources
