
The recipient of the APTA Virginia Emerging Leader Award is recognized by the chapter, but also becomes the chapter’s Nominee for the APTA Emerging Leader Award. The purpose, eligibility, and selection criteria for this award will be consistent with the APTA Board of Director’s Emerging Leader Award policy.
Purpose
To identify and honor an “emerging leader” who has demonstrated extraordinary service early in his or her physical therapy career and made exceptional overall accomplishments and contributions to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), APTA Virginia, and the physical therapy profession to advance APTA’s vision.
Eligibility
A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who is a current member of APTA Virginia for at least 5 years and no more than 10 years from formal graduation. The nominee must have current or prior service on one or more appointed or elected groups at the chapter or national level.
Nomination Requirements
The nominee’s Curriculum Vitae and a nominating letter that includes:
1. A description of the nominee’s contributions.
2. Examples of demonstrated service to the Association, component, or physical therapy profession.
3. Explanation of the potential for future contributions to APTA and the physical therapy profession.
4. Examples of how the nominee has advanced activities at the chapter level.
5. A description of the outcome of the contributions and how the contributions align with the component or APTA goals, objectives, and vision.
What the Recipients Receive
Certificate and Chapter nomination for the APTA Emerging Leader Award. At minimum, a certificate will be presented to the recipient by APTA Virginia’s President the Annual Member’s Meeting, an official announcement will appear in an association publication, and will receive a nomination by the chapter for the APTA Emerging Leaders Award.

Additional Resources:
For questions regarding the nomination process or the awards, please contact vpta@vpta.org.
Award History:
2011 - Megan Bureau, PT, DPT
2012-2015: award not issued
2016 - Brandon Smith, PT, DPT
2017 - 2019: award not issued
2020 - Brittany Samulski, PT, DPT, PhD
2021 - 2022: award not issued
2023 - Emily J. Hawkins, PT, DPT
2024 - Brian Britt, PT, DPT