Academy of Doctors of Audiology Honors 2025 Award Recipients at AuDacity Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C. and Frankfort, KY. On September 25, 2025, the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) proudly recognized outstanding leaders, educators, clinicians, and advocates in audiology during its annual awards presentation, held in conjunction with the 2025 AuDacity Conference in Washington, D.C. The awards were presented by Amyn M. Amlani, Ph.D., ADA President, celebrating exceptional contributions in education, clinical practice, and advocacy.
“These honorees represent the very best of our profession,” said Dr. Amlani. “Their collective efforts in clinical innovation, patient care, teaching, and legislative advocacy ensure that audiology continues to advance as an autonomous, patient-centered, doctoring profession.”
Joel Wernick Award: Presented to Dr. Nichole Kingham
The Joel Wernick Award is presented in recognition of an outstanding educational contribution within the profession of audiology or hearing science. This year’s recipient, Nichole Kingham, Au.D., was recognized for her visionary leadership in training and deploying audiology assistants, creating one of the nation’s leading audiology assistant education programs. Her commitment to mentorship and efficiency in practice has elevated the delivery of hearing healthcare nationwide.
Leo Doerfler Award Presented to Dr. Emily McMahan
The Leo Doerfler Award recognizes an audiologist who has demonstrated outstanding clinical services in the community throughout his/her career. Emily McMahan, Au.D., owner of Alaska Hearing & Tinnitus Center, received the 2025 Leo Doerfler Award for her excellence in tinnitus evaluation and treatment, her role in establishing clinical standards, and her dedication to patient-centered, evidence-based care.
Eric N. Hagberg Student Advocacy Award: Presented to Ms. Blair Casey
The Eric N. Hagberg Student Advocacy Award is presented annually to an Au.D. student who has made significant contributions to the profession of audiology through federal and/or state advocacy. The inaugural recipient of the Eric N. Hagberg Student Advocacy Award, Blair Casey, a second-year Au.D. student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, was recognized for her compelling testimony before the Arkansas legislature supporting Senate Bill 118, which clarified audiologists’ status as clinical doctoring professionals.
Craig W. Johnson Advocacy Award: Presented to Dr. Melissa Segev
The Craig W. Johnson Audiology Advocate Award is presented annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to the profession of audiology through federal and/or state advocacy. Melissa Segev, Au.D., co-owner of Audiology Associates and past president of the Maryland Academy of Audiology, received the 2025 Craig W. Johnson Advocacy Award for her leadership in modernizing Maryland’s audiology practice act, which strengthened audiologists’ authority to evaluation, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing and balance conditions. The award carries added meaning as Dr. Segev follows in the footsteps of her father and award namesake, Dr. Craig W. Johnson.
President’s Award: Presented to Dr. Kim Cavitt
The ADA President’s Award was presented to Kim Cavitt, Au.D., for her fearless leadership and dedication to professional autonomy in audiology. Dr. Cavitt was recognized for guiding ADA members through upcoming CPT code changes and for her unwavering advocacy for private practice and audiology’s future.
State Advocacy Award: Presented to Maryland Academy of Audiology
The State Association Advocacy Award is presented annually to a state audiology association that has made significant contributions to the profession of audiology through state advocacy. The Maryland Academy of Audiology (MAA) was honored for its landmark legislative victory in 2024 with the passage of SB 795/HB 464, modernizing Maryland’s practice act to expand patient access and professional autonomy.
“Together, these professionals embody the heart of audiology,” said Dr. Amlani. “Their achievements remind us that our greatest strength lies in our shared commitment to our patients and to one another.”
About the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA)
The Academy of Doctors of Audiology advances the autonomous practice of audiology through education, advocacy, and leadership. ADA represents audiologists committed to evidence-based clinical care, business innovation, and advancing the profession of audiology to achieve its full potential as a clinical doctoring profession. Visit www.audiologist.org for more information.
Media Contact: Matthew Moore