GCA Awards Criteria

William M. Harris Lifetime Achievement Award Nomination: The William M. Harris Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 1997 by the GCA Board of Directors in recognition for his professional accomplishments and financial gifts that Dr. William M. Harris has given both to the Georgia Chiropractic Association and the chiropractic profession in general. Dr. Harris was a lifelong supporter of the Georgia Chiropractic Association and it is hoped that others will see benefit in returning not only their time and talent, but the treasure, as well, to the profession that has supported us in life.
 
Nominations for this award shall be solicited from the general membership in odd numbered years. To be eligible for this award, the nominee must have held a license to practice chiropractic for twenty-five years, been practicing 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 may presently be active in chiropractic or retired and must have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in chiropractic over many years. Each nomination must be in writing and accompanied by a brief resume, fifty (50) words or less, stating the accomplishments of the nominee, that may include: general practice of chiropractic; clinical research; political leadership in professional organizations and/or state or national politics; practice management consultation/teaching; teacher, either directly on staff of college or in post graduate teaching division of a college.
Chiropractor of the Year Award: To be eligible for this award, the nominee must have held a license to practice chiropractic in the state of Georgia and been 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. Nominations shall not be accepted from the floor during the GCA Annual Meeting. Each nomination must be in writing and accompanied by a resume, stating the accomplishments of the nominee.
 
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. Nominations shall not be accepted from the floor during the GCA Annual Meeting. Each nomination must be in writing and accompanied by a resume, stating the accomplishments of the nominee.
 
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 be a current member in good standing of the GCA. The nominee should have become a GCA member within the last five years and accomplished outstanding meritorious service to a GCA committee(s) within the past year immediately prior to receipt of this award. Nominations shall not be accepted from the floor during the GCA Annual Meeting. Each nomination must be in writing and accompanied by a resume, stating the accomplishments of the nominee.
 
Nomination of Life Membership Candidate: According to GCA Bylaws, Article III, Section 1, subsection b., active and Life members may nominate names of candidates for Life Membership. 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 and the two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be selected for Life Membership. Not more than two Life Memberships may be granted annually. Life Membership may be granted to a doctor who has provided exemplary service to GCA. 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.