Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
Each year the AOPA presents the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor is bestowed on individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of orthotics and prosthetics. Learn more about he Award and how to submit your nomination here.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Larry Word, CPO, FAAOP |
| 2023 | Marty Carlson, CPO, FAAOP (D) and Ossur Kristinsson |
| 2022 | Carl Caspers, CPO |
| 2021 | Brad Ruhl |
| 2020 | Arturo Vasquez-Vela* |
| 2019 | James Kaiser, CP, LP |
| 2018 | C. Michael Schuch, CPO, FAAOP, FISPO* |
| 2017 | Saeed Zahedi, PhD |
| 2016 | Thomas Watson, CP |
| 2015 | Thomas V. DiBello, CO, FAAOP |
| 2014 | Karl Fillauer, CPO, FAAOP |
| 2013 | Prof. Hans Georg Nader |
| 2012 | Wade Barghausen, CPO (E) |
| 2011 | Rudolf B. Becker, III and Robert E. Arbogast |
| 2010 | Ivan R. Sabel, CPO |
| 2009/8 | Anthony J. Filippis, Jr., CPO |
| 2007 | Charles H. Dankmeyer, Jr., CPO |
| 2006 | Garvin D. Marty |
| 2005 | Joe Cestaro, CPO |
| 2004 | David C. Schultz, CPO* |
| 2003 | Donald E. Hardin |
| 2002 | H.E. “Ted” Thranhardt, CPO |
| 2001 | Ralph “Ronney” Snell, CPO, FAAOP* |
| 2000 | Sam E. Hamontree, CP |
| 1999 | Roy Snelson, CPO (E) |
| 1998 | Al Muilenburg, CPO |
| 1997 | Carlton Fillauer, CPO |
| 1996 | Charles W. Rosenquist, CO* |
| 1995 | Ben Moss* & Anthony Filippis Sr, CPO |
| 1994 | Louis Pulizzi, CPO* |
Ralph R. “Ronney” Snell
Legislative Advocacy Award Recipients
The Ralph R. “Ronney” Snell, CPO, FAAOP, Legislative Advocacy Award recognizes individuals who have made valuable contributions toward advancing the legislative and regulatory goals of the O&P field by motivating members of Congress and other decision makers to take action on behalf of O&P.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Sheryl Sachs, MSPO, CPO Thomas Degree |
| 2023 | So Every BODY Can Move New Mexico |
| 2020 | George Breece |
| 2019 | Maynard Carkhuff Stella Seiber Glenn Crumpton, CPO |
| 2018 | Denise Hoffmann Pam Lupo, CO |
| 2017 | Adrianne Haslet Aaron Holm |
| 2016 | James Young, Jr., CP, LP, FAAOP Scott Schneider Ralph Nobbe, CPO |
| 2015 | Charles W. Kuffel, MSM, CPO, FAAOP Teri Kuffel, Esq. Rick Riley, CEO, Townsend Design |
| 2014 | James Kaiser, CPO, FAAOP |
| 2012 | Thomas Guth, CP |
| 2011 | William C. “Clint” Snell, CP |
| 2010 | Rick Fleetwood, MPA |
| 2008 | Peter Thomas |
| 2007 | Michael E. Hamontree |
| 2006 | Paddy Rossbach, RN |
| 2005 | Alfred Kritter, Jr., CPO, FAAOP |
| 2003 | Thomas H. Watson, CP |
| 2001 | Steven M. Filippis, CP Robert V. Leimkuehler, CPO |
| 2000 | Marc Karn, CP Harry Layton, CPO Ohio O&P Association (accepted by Pres. Rich Rosenberg, CPO) |
| 1999 | Donna K. Jackson, CP Micki Pawlowski |
| 1998 | Loren Saxton, CPO Mary Saxton Tom Sanders Martin S. Ryan, CP |
*Indicates the recipient is deceased.
Thranhardt Award Winners
Launched by a gift from J.E Hanger in memory of Howard R. Thranhardt, CP, the series offers an honorarium to the winners. The series recognizes individuals committed to advancing O&P education and research. Winners of the Thranhardt Lecture receive an award of $500 each.
| 2024 | Andreas Kannenberg, MD,(GER), PhD and Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CP, FAAOP (D)"Assessing Outcomes with Microprocessor Knee Utilization in a K2 Population (ASCENT K2): Findings from a Clinical Trial of 107 Individuals with Above-knee Amputation" Tyler Klenow, MSPO, MBA, CPO, FAAOP and Russell Lundstrom, MS "Reduction in Falls and Fall-Risk with Increased Walking Speed Found Following 1 Year of C Brace® Use: Interim Results from the C-Brace® Registry" |
| 2023 | Andreas Kannenberg, MD,(GER), PhD and Shane Wurdeman, PhD, CP, FAAOP (D)"Microprocessor Stance and Swing Control Orthosis for Patients Dependent on a Knee-ankle-foot-orthosis for Walking: A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial" Matt Wernke, PhD, "Upper Extremity Myoelectric Interface and Control Methodologies: A Single Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial" |
| 2022 | Tiffany Graham, MSPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP, "Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for the Treatment Time of Deformational Head Shapes Using a Cranial Remolding Orthosis" Jennifer Johansson, MS, "Design and Testing of the Caesar Foot: A Bimodal Run-Walk Prosthesis" |
| 2021 | Andreas Hahn, PhD, MSc, "The Effect of Microprocessor Controlled Exo-Prosthetic Knees on Limited Community Ambulators: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" Chrysta Irolla, MS, MSPO, CPO and Emily Nelson, MSE, MSOP, CP, "Treatment Parameters for the UCSF Pectus Carinatum Orthosis: A Pilot Study" |
| 2020 | Anton Johannesson, PhD, CPO, "Systematic Procedure in Lower Limb Amputation—The Scandinavian Approach" Caitlin Deom, PT, DPT, and John Frederick, CPO/L, "High Intensity Gait Training for Stroke Patients: The Neuroplastic Principles Behind this Evidence-Based Treatment Modality, Comparison to Conventional Physical Therapy and Effect on Orthotic Management" |
| 2019 | Tiffany Graham, MSPO, CPO, LPO, FAAOP and Kelly Millay, MPO, "Significant Factors in Orthotic Treatment of Asymmetrical Brachycephaly" Andreas Hahn, PhD, MSc, "The Use of Health Economic Instruments to Evaluate Prosthetic Services: Experience with Over 400 Patients in Germany and India |
| 2018 | Tiffany Graham, MSPO, CPO, LPO, "Significant Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Cranial Remolding Orthoses in Infants with Deformational Plagiocephaly" Brian Kaluf, BSE, CP, FAAOP, "Comparative Effectiveness of Microprocessor and Energy StoringProsthetic Ankles" |
| 2017 | Shenan Hoppe-Ludwig, CPO, “The Micro-Processor Controlled Orthosis: What is the Impact to the User Versus the Stance control Orthosis and Conventional Locked KAFO” Andrea Giovanni Cutti, PhD, “Reference Values for Temporal Gait and Loading Symmetry of Lower-Limb Amputees Can Help in Refocusing Rehabilitation Targets” |
| 2016 | Beatrice Janka, MPO, CPO, ", The Effects of AFO Stiffness and Alignment on Lower Extremity Kinematics in Stroke and Multiple Sclerosis" Kenton Kaufman, PhD, PE, “Functional Assessment and Satisfaction in K2 Transfemoral Amputees Receiving MPK Knees–Initial Findings” |
| 2015 | Elizabeth Russell Esposito, PhD, "Can Individuals with Transtibial Amputation Reduce the Metabolic Demand of Walking Using Realtime Visual Feedback?" Megan Sions, PhD, DPT, PT, OCS, "Balance-Confidence May Help Explain Physical Function and Community-Integration among Individuals with Unilateral Transfemoral and Transtibial Amputations" |
| 2014 | Nicoleta Bugnariu, PT, PhD, "Functional Performance and Evaluation of Dynamic Response Feet" Andreas Hahn, PhD, MSc , "Evaluation of 1200+ C-Leg Test Fittings in Germany" |
| 2013 | Silvia Raschke, PhD and Michael Orendurff, PhD, "Can You Tell Which Foot is Which?" Brian Hafner, PhD, "Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M)" |
Hamontree Award Winners
The Sam E. Hamontree, CP(E), Business Education Award was created to recognize the best business education paper, idea and/or proposal submitted for presentation. This award is a counterpart to the Thranhardt Award given each year to the best clinical abstract(s).
| 2024 | Ashlie White, MSHLS, MA "Prevalence of Limb Loss and Limb Difference in the United States: Implications for Public Policy" |
| 2023 | Andreas Kannenberg, MD (GER), PhD and Gerald Stark, PhD, MSEM, CPO/L, FAAOP (D), "Clinical Quality Improvement as a Foundational Business Strategy" |
| 2022 | Stacy Toner, "The Three Things you Have Control Over to Speed up your Cash Flow" |
| 2021 | Rebecca Snell, "Adverse Outcomes Audit: Using Simplified Six Sigma as a Loss Control Measure" |
| 2020 | Dale Berry, CP, LP, FAAOP, "Prior Authorization, How to PROVE Medical Necessity" |
| 2019 | Mark Ford, "The Operating Performance Benchmarking Survey: What It Can Do for You" |
| 2018 | Lesleigh Sisson, CFom, "Top 10 Ways to Get and Keep Your Money" |
| 2017 | Ryan Ball, “Competitive Differentiator: Executing a Data-Drive Growth Strategy in O&P” |
| 2016 | Molly McCoy, CPO, "Documentation Changes That Work! Proof that Better Documentation Leads to Overturn of Denials" |
| 2015 | Thomas McGovern, "Control Your Marketing Message by Controlling the Medium" |
| 2014 | Mike Mallaro, “Building a Stronger Business: Megatrends Impacting Your O&P Practice and What You Need to Do Now to Optimize Your Business” |
| 2013 | Donald E. Katz, MHA, CO/L, FAAOP, "Using Lean Principles to Document Changes in Staff Workflow and Patient Services" |
Edwin & Kathryn Arbogast Award, and Otto & Lucille Becker Award
The Edwin and Kathryn Arbogast Award and the Otto and Lucille Becker Award were founded in 2012, made possible by a special endowment by Becker Orthopedic and WillowWood. These awards honor two meritorious scientific papers submitted for presentation as a poster at the AOPA National Assembly, to encourage students and residents to display outstanding posters. The Otto and Lucille Becker Award is awarded annually for the best orthotic abstract submitted, and the Edwin and Kathryn Arbogast Award for the best prosthetic abstract submitted by a qualifying student or resident. The main author of each presentation must be a student (baccalaureate or master level), or a resident at a qualified patient care facility.
Edwin & Kathryn Arbogast Award
| 2024
2023 2022 2021 |
Abrar Alamri, MSPO
Abigail Citterman Adam Huff Gila Baer |
Normative Orthotic and Prosthetic Users’ Survey (OPUS) Scores in Lower Limb Prosthetic Users across Multiple Follow-ups: A Retrospective Analysis
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation at the Wrist as a Method to Restore Sensory Feedback for Individuals with Partial Hand Amputation Validating Apple Watch Pulse Oximetry Data in People with LimbLoss Scoping Review of Mechanical Testing of The Structural and Functional Properties of Lower Limb Prosthetic Sockets |
| 2020 | Allison Gordon | I Static and Dynamic Balance Comparison with the Transfemoral K2 Population Utilizing K3 Componentry |
| 2019 | Charles Noble | Is the Allied Health Field “Passing the Buck” Regarding Fall Training? |
| 2018 | Katherine Ching | An Analysis of Internal Consistency within OPUS in Upper-Extremity |
| 2017 | Elizabeth Bell | A Mixed-Methods Examination of Limitations to Physical Activity as Reported by Individuals with Lower Extremity Amputations |
| 2016 | Tyler Klenow | A Metric to Quantify the “Dead Spot” Phenomenon in Prosthetic Gait: An Analysis of Sagittal Center of Pressure Progression and Its Velocity |
| 2015 | Lisa Abernethy | Going Back In Time: A Content Analysis On The Media Portrayal Of Characters With Antiquated Prostheses |
| 2014 | Lauren Levey | Lateralization of Motor Control in the Lower Extremity |
| 2013 | Darren Bolger | A Tale of Two Legs: Maintaining Dynamic Stability in A-P and M-L Directions in Persons with Unilateral Transtibial Limb Loss |
| 2012 | Alison Ginsberg | Use of a Powered Ankle Prosthesis to Decrease Work and Loading of the Intact Limb in Individuals with Transfemoral Limb Loss |
| 2011 | Chrysta Irolla | Unilateral Transtibial Amputee Dynamic Stability Margin During Human Walking |
Otto & Lucille Becker Award
| 2024
2023 2022 2021 |
Caitlin Bowman Martwinski, MSPO
Yasi Aljohani Jason Rutkowski Jessica Sider |
Development of a Children’s Book Intervention to Increase Pediatric Orthotic Device Compliance and Improve Peer Attitudes towards Disability for 3-12 Year Olds
Reasons for Abandonment by Children in Saudi Arabia The Effect of Disease Progression on Perceived Benefits and Psychosocial Impact of Lower Limb Orthoses in Ambulatory Persons with Multiple Sclerosis Bridging the Gap Between Off-the-Shelf and Custom-Made Braces for Canines |
| 2020 | William Eddy | Quality Standards in Custom Orthotics: Tracking Cause and Frequency of Failed Custom Orthoses by Warranty Cases |
| 2019 | Erin McGraw | Comparing the comfort of Ankle Foot Orthosis Designs: Sleeve Cover vs. Traditional Cuff Strap |
| 2018 | Peter Zenger | Self-Efficacy Related to Education Level in O&P |
| 2017 | Kierra Falbo | Characteristics of Delphi Processes in Orthotics and Prosthetics Research |
| 2016 | Morgan Oxenrider and Megan Kelly | The Capacity Foot Orthoses to Modulate Plantar Foot Tissue Stiffness |
| 2015 | Tyler Klenow | A Functional Comparison of a Carbon Fiber AFO and Two Modular KAFO Conditions Using Outcome Measures in a Veteran Subject with Traumatic Brain Injury |
| 2014 | Steven Siebert | A Wireless Instrumented AFO to Quantify Ankle Stiffness and Range of Motion |
| 2013 | Kier Book | The Influence of Dorsiflexion Resistance on Ankle Joint Kinematics during Treadmill Walking |
| 2012 | Marina Musicus | Characterizing Changes in Plantarflexor Activity in Response to Orthotic Ankle Constraint |
| 2011 | Tyler Manee | Determining the Ideal Dorsal Strap Location and Angle to Prevent Pistoning in an Ankle-Foot Orthosis |
Hans Georg Nader Digital O&P Award
2024:Joshua Steer, PhD, “Insights into Transtibial Prosthetic Socket Design from Expert UK Clinicians’ Digital Records”
2023: Andrew McDaid, BE(HONS), PhD and Freeborn Mondello, DPT, “The Impact Of Sensor Technology On Bracing Outcomes For
Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial”
2022: David Boone, BSPO, MPH, PhD
AOPA Tech Tips and Tricks Video Winners
2022:
- 1st– Steven Werkheiser, CTPO – 3-D imaging Laminations
- 2nd– Jeff Waldmullen, CP – Effectively Patching Holes in Sleeves
- 3rd – Jordan Lowell, CPOA – Laminating a Flex Carbon Footplate to a Partial Foot Prosthetic
AOPA OPTA Technical Fabrication Contest
The Technical Fabrication Contest was founded in 2012 and honors technicians who fabricate a particular device in each year’s contest guidelines. Entrees are submitted for presentation at the AOPA National Assembly encouraging students, practitioners, and technicians to display their outstanding devices. The fabricators are given free rein in terms of final shape and cosmetic finishing and must include a description specifying the issues addressed in the design of the device. Devices are displayed during the AOPA National Assembly and winners are announced during the annual business meeting.
2019 Technical Fabrication Contest – Below knee prosthesis
| Category | Recipient |
| Practitioner | 1st Place, Michael Stull |
| Practitioner | Runner-up, Dennis Haun |
| Technician | 1st Place, Matt Hierstetter |
| Technician | Runner-up, Chris Koressel |
| Student | 1st Place, Dustin McBride |
| Student | Runner-up, Michael Brandon |
2019 Technical Fabrication Contest – Articulating AFO
| Category | Recipient |
| Practitioner | 1st Place, Brian Demain |
| Practitioner | Runner-up, Dennis Haun |
| Technician | 1st Place, Matt Hierstetter |
| Student | 1st Place, Wesley Fong |
| Student | Runner-up, Sachin Kawankar |
2018 Technical Fabrication Contest – Below knee prosthesis
| Category | Recipient |
| Practitioner | 1st Place, Loren Schubert |
| Practitioner | Runner-up, Tony Ward |
| Technician | 1st Place, Ramen Landon |
| Technician | Runner-up, Desmond Cook |
| Student | 1st Place, Mackinley Burrell |
| Student | Runner-up, Molly Jeffers |
2018 Technical Fabrication Contest – Articulating AFO
| Category | Recipient |
| Practitioner | 1st Place, Anton Kruglov |
| Practitioner | Runner-up, K0ji Duncan |
| Technician | 1st Place, Ramen Landon |
| Technician | Runner-up, Desmond Cook |
| Student | 1st Place, Robert Hinks |
| Student | Runner-up, Wesley Fong |
2017 Technical Fabrication Contest – Below knee prosthesis
| Category | Recipient |
| Practitioner | 1st Place, Pankaj Sinha, CPO |
| Practitioner | Runner-up, Tony Ward, CPO |
| Technician | 1st Place, Darrell Johnston, CTO |
| Technician | Runner-up, Christopher Meyer |
| Student | 1st Place, Matt Mausner |
| Student | Runner-up, Andrew Maurer |
2017 Technical Fabrication Contest – Articulating AFO
| Category | Recipient |
| Practitioner | 1st Place, Anton Kruglov, CPO |
| Practitioner | Runner-up, Wes Golay |
| Technician | 1st Place, Darrell Johnston, CTO |
| Technician | Runner-up, Steven Werkheiser |
| Student | 1st Place, Zach Golay |
| Student | Runner-up, Matthew Mausner |
2016 Technical Fabrication Contest – Articulating AFO
| Category | Recipient |
| Practitioner | 1st Place, Rich Federman, CO |
| Practitioner | Runner-up, Aaron Norell, BOCO, BOCP, CO |
| Technician | 1st Place, Michael Brandon |
| Technician | Runner-up, Tim Cunningham |
| Student | 1st Place, Steve Daley |
| Student | Runner-up, Todd Nakano |
2016 Technical Fabrication Contest – BK Socket & Foot
| Category | Recipient |
| Practitioner | 1st Place, Michael Stull, BOCP |
| Practitioner | Runner-up, Julianne Gupta, CPO |
| Technician | 1st Place, Darrin Snowden, CPA, CTP |
| Technician | Runner-up, Michael Brandon |
| Student | 1st Place, Ashley Rinck |
| Student | Runner-up, Allison Snooks |
2015 Technical Fabrication Contest – Articulating AFO
| Category | Recipient |
| Practitioner | 1st Place, Tommy Coronado, CPOA |
| Practitioner | Runner-up, Brian DeMain, CPO |
| Technician | 1st Place, Dan Lopez, ROPT |
| Technician | Runner-up, Paul Mindenann |
| Student | 1st Place, Mary Walsh |
| Student | Runner-up, Kenneth O’Mera |
2014 Technical Fabrication Contest – “Energy” Lower Extremity Prosthesis or Orthosis
Nicole Gibson
2013 Technical Fabrication Contest – Partial Foot Prosthosis
| Category | Recipient |
| Practitioner | 1st Place, Ferhan Maher |
| Practitioner | Runner-up, Mike Openshaw |
| Technician | 1st Place, Mark Scheibelhut |
| Technician | Runner-up, Don Pierson |
| Student | 1st Place, Vincenzo Demarinis |
| Student | Runner-up, Tanner Brogden |
| School of the Year | Francis Tuttle Technology Center |
| People’s Choice | Brian Killen & Yann Paitel |
2012 Technical Fabrication Contest – BK Swim Prosthesis
| Category | Recipient |
| Professional | 1st Place, Joseph Young |
| Professional | 2nd Place, Chris Carlson |
| Professional | 3rd Place, Svetoslav Terziyski |
| Student | 1st Place, Malerie Turner |
| Student | 2nd Place, Michael Ruch |
| Student | 3rd Place, Tanner Brogden |