Ken Rezsnyak was a dedicated advocate, leader, and mentor in the massage therapy profession, remembered for his tireless efforts in advancing the field, supporting his peers, and fostering a sense of community among RMTs. This award is presented in his memory to recognize outstanding contributions that reflect his spirit and commitment.
Criteria
Recipients of the RMT of the Year Award in Honour of Ken Rezsnyak will:
- Be an Active or Life Member of the RMTAO in good standing.
- Have made significant contributions to the RMTAO through their time, energy, knowledge, expertise, or leadership.
- Have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service to the massage therapy profession.
Areas of Contribution
The RMT of the Year recipient will have demonstrated meaningful engagement and leadership across three or more of the following areas:
- Advocacy & Public Awareness: Leading or participating in initiatives to advance the profession, strengthen the role of massage therapists within the healthcare system, and increase public awareness.
- Governance & Organizational Leadership: Serving on boards, committees, or working groups (such as the RMTAO or CMTO), or actively contributing to RMTAO programs, projects, and member initiatives.
- Education, Mentorship, & Knowledge Sharing: Teaching in pre-licensure or continuing education programs, mentoring students and peers, or presenting research, clinical insights, and best practices at conferences, webinars, or workshops.
- Research & Scholarly Activity: Conducting research, advancing evidence-informed practice, or authoring articles for peer-reviewed journals and professional publications.
- Community Building & Peer Support: Fostering professional networks, leading peer-support initiatives, and engaging in community-based programs that support fellow massage therapists and strengthen the profession.
Nominations
There will be a call for nominations made by the RMTAO Board of Directors. Nominations may be submitted in writing or in an alternative format (e.g., audio or video). Supporting letters or documents may also be included. Please contact the RMTAO (info@rmtao.com) if you require an accommodation to submit a nomination. Please submit your nomination by Nov. 16 at 4 p.m.
Selection Process
The Membership and Elections Committee (MEC) reviews all nominations against the criteria above. Committee members declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from reviewing affected nominations. The MEC then recommends up to four (4) candidates to the Board of Directors, which selects the recipient.