The History of Alabama Academy of Audiology
In the Fall of 1997, a small group of dedicated members gathered in Birmingham at the home of Dr. BettieBorton to create a state organization solely of, by, and for audiologists. The purpose of this organization was to address the need for relevant continuing education, increased consumer awareness and protection, as well as professional and legislative concerns for the audiologists of Alabama and the patients whom they served. The organization was also committed to assisting audiology students in our state with opportunities for learning, research, and various pre-professional activities.
The organization originally had approximately 30 charter members, and was incorporated as a non-profit under the name of Professional Audiology Society of Alabama (PASA). Growth was slow but steady, and current membership has grown dramatically, with members from several states including Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. PASA undertook an ambitious plan to offer an annual state convention featuring nationally recognized hearing healthcare experts and technologies to more effectively meet the needs of Alabama’s audiologists and has successfully met that goal. Over the course of the last decade, conventions have been held in Alabama at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, The Perdido Beach Resort in Gulf Shores, and The Wynfrey in Birmingham, as well as at Callaway Gardens in Georgia, and SanDestinHilton in Florida. Speakers have included Dr. James “Jay” Hall, Dr. Dave Fabry, Dr. Charles Berlin, Dr. David Zapala and many others.
In 2007, under the guidance of Dr. Tom Borton, the Board of Directors voted to more closely affiliate with the American Academy of Audiology, and changed the name of the organization to The Alabama Academy of Audiology (ALAA). Recently, ALAA was the first state convention to provide a convention program with multiple Tier One offerings, and was the first state academy to contribute funds to the American Academy of Audiology Foundation (AAAF) in support of the new American Board of Audiology (ABA) national examination initiative.
PAST PRESIDENTS OF ALABAMA ACADEMY OF AUDIOLOGY
Dr. Aaron Johnson
Dr. Bettie Borton 1997-2000
Dr. George Murphree 2000-2002
Dr. Robin Auerbach 2002-2003
Dr. Steve Charlton 2003-2005
Dr. Steve Smith 2005-2007
Dr. Thomas Borton 2007-2009
Dr. Dana Walchek 2009-2011
Dr. Tim Holston 2011-2013
Dr. Shandi L. Dabbs 2013-2015
D. Bobby McClung, Au.D. 2015-2017
Dr. Wilder Roberts, Au.D., CCC-A
Current President: Carrie Overschmidt, Au.D.
ALAA’S MOST OUTSTANDING AUDIOLOGIST AWARDS
Dr. Curt Smith
Dr. James “Jay” Hall
Dr. Thomas Borton
Sandra Cook, M.S.
Dr. Carole Johnson
