Texas Audiologists Form Texas Academy of Audiology

Texas Academy of Audiology charter members gather for a historic picture. From right, Matt Lyon, Finance Administrator, Deb Carlson, Chairman, Bill Beck, Educational Coordinator, Janet Krueger, Secretary, Kathy Saucedo, Regional Coordinator, Irene Jones, Communication & Membership Coordinator, Mani Aguilar, Communication & Membership Coordinator, Todd Porter, Legislative Coordinator.

AUSTIN, TEXAS --- A group of Texas audiologists convened in Austin June 10, 2000 and formed the Texas Academy of Audiology (TAA). The articles of incorporation were filed with the secretary of state, establishing TAA as a 501(C) 3 non-profit corporation.

The effort was spearheaded by Jim Jerger, Ph.D., Susan Jerger, Ph.D., Ross Roeser, Ph.D., Deb Carlson, Ph.D., Todd Porter, Jane Porter, Kate Hengstenberg, and Steve Miller. From an initial group of 84 audiologists, an 8-member executive committee with 6 regional contacts were elected. Their names and positions are as follows:

Executive Committee

Deb Carlson
Chairman

Bill Beck
Education Coordinator

Mani Aguilar
Communication/Membership Coordinator

Irene Jones
Communication/Membership Coordinator

Matt Lyon
Finance Administrator

Janet Krueger
Secretary

Todd Porter
Legislative Coordinator

Kathy Saucedo
Regional Coordinator

Chairman Carlson led a discussion to set long-term goals for the TAA, which resulted in the drafting of three primary goals. The goals target the areas of Excellence, Ethics, and Education.

Promote excellence of Audiology Services to all Texans.

Promote the highest ethical standards.

Promote audiology as a profession through outstanding educational and informational forums.

A committee was named to draft bylaws, and a date was set for the first conference on November 11th at the Adams Mark Hotel in Dallas, Texas.