Nominations are now open for the 2026 Georgia Chiropractic Association Awards! GCA Members are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements below and submit their nominations to Stephani Tucker at stucker@gachiro.org. Nominations will be reviewed by the Awards Committee, and winners will be announced at the President’s Luncheon on Saturday, October 17 at GCA’s Fall Conference. Nominations close Sunday, September 13th.

Chiropractor of the Year Award Nomination: To be eligible for this award, the nominee must have held a license to practice chiropractic in the state of Georgia and is a current member in good standing of the GCA for not less than five (5) years. The nominee should have accomplished outstanding meritorious service to the GCA, in particular, and to the chiropractic profession, in general, within the past two (2) years immediately prior to receipt of this award. The winner’s name shall be kept secret and given to the previous recipient of the award, if present, who shall present this award at the Fall Conference; otherwise, the president of the GCA shall present the award.

Deane Mink Membership Award is bestowed on the GCA member who has recruited the highest number of members in the past year.

Hazel C. Cotney Volunteer of the Year Award: To be eligible for this award, the nominee must have a license to practice chiropractic in the state of Georgia and is a current member in good standing of the GCA. The nominee should have begun volunteering in the past year and accomplished outstanding meritorious service to a GCA committee(s) within the past year immediately prior to receipt of this award.

Life Membership Nomination: According to GCA Bylaws, Article III, Section 1, subsection c., active and Life members may nominate names of candidates for Life Membership. Life Membership carries all the privileges of Active Membership and does not require payment of annual dues or registration fees for attendance to Spring or Fall Conference. Life Membership may be granted to a doctor who has provided exemplary service to GCA. No more than two Life Memberships may be granted annually.

The names of candidates nominated by members shall first be submitted to the Board of Directors for a subsequent board approval by a 2/3 vote. The approved nominated candidates shall then be submitted for voting by the eligible membership at the GCA Annual Meeting. Voting at the GCA Annual Meeting shall be by ballot should there be more than two candidates approved by the board and the two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be selected for Life Membership.

William H. Vaughn Humanitarian of the Year Award: A worthy individual is deemed to be a person devoted to the promotion of human welfare and improvement. In almost all cases the award has gone to a Georgian: a politician, elected official or chiropractor.

Please note, the William M. Harris Lifetime Achievement Award Nomination will not be offered in 2026 as it is only presented in odd numbered years.