Strength In Unity: A Brief Recap of the 2025 Annual Business Meeting

written by Nathan Grizenko, OTD, OTR/L

 

This year’s theme, “Strength in Unity,” was reflected throughout this year’s Annual Business Meeting and Town hall as members and volunteers gathered to reflect on a successful year and look ahead to exciting growth in 2026.

With over 200 attendees and more than 100 presentations submitted, the event showcased the strength and diversity of Ohio’s OT community. OOTA continues to build educational resources through session recordings and on-demand offerings—now totaling over 30 live CE events and 31 webinars available to members.

OOTA remains financially strong, reporting over $405,000 in total assets. Membership stands at 641 OT members, 114 OTAs, and 307 students, with continued growth in both practitioner and student engagement. The new “Life Long Learner” membership tier offers expanded educational opportunities, including complimentary conference registration.

Dan Hurley, Honorary member of OOTA and the Association’s Lobbyist, reported on key legislative initiatives across Ohio, including updates to the OT Scope of Practice and behavioral health inclusion. The Association is also continuing to track several healthcare and insurance reform bills to protect access and reimbursement for OT services.

This year, OOTA leadership expanded its strategic plan with new task forces focused on leadership, education and research, advocacy, collaboration, communication, and membership. Three new committees–Newsletter, Mentorship, and Microcredentialing–offer members more ways to get involved.

OOTA proudly recognized outstanding members and partners at the Awards Reception, including Jennifer Thompson (Award of Merit), Jessalyn Dickerson (Virginia Scardina Lectureship Award), Karla Reese (Passion Award), and numerous others for contributions in Education, Fieldwork, Service, and Advocacy.

Looking ahead, the Association announced the 2026 program lineup, including a Feeding Symposium (January 10), Student Conclave (January 14-15), and Winterfest (February), along with expanded mentorship and microcredentialing programs.

You can access the slides from the Annual Business Meeting here!

It’s an exciting time to be part of OOTA! With so many new opportunities on the horizon, we invite every member to get involved—whether by helping plan future events, sharing your expertise as a presenter, participating in the mentorship program, or stepping into a leadership role. Together, we’re shaping the future of occupational therapy in Ohio.