President's Note
The year 2025 will be one of noteworthiness in APA history. This past year we’ve rolled out a new website, a new domain name, a new logo and next year, a new location for the National Conference – San Antonio. Whew! We really have been “Moving into the Future.” It also marked a step into the second quarter century of our organization.
In the area of notable activities, the APA again had a booth at the National ADA Symposium and we expanded our national presence by becoming a voting member of the ICC/ANSI A117.1 committee. APA presented a code modification and testified at the ICC code change hearings (and yes, the committee voted to approve the modification). We also filed our views with the federal Department of Energy over their attempt to remove accessibility standards from their regulations (they paused). And yet, we’ve been exceedingly involved in the local issues as well, including the ongoing changes imposed by TDLR over new requirements for project registration. New member benefits have also been incorporated into APA’s structure, some of which will be discussed in more detail during the 2026 APA Conference.
But, none of this would be possible without the dedication and involvement of so many of our members. From the Board of Directors to committee chairs to committee participants and those independent “anything I can do?” people to our wonderful staff, you have all made this a wonderful year to serve as your president. We truly are “Stronger Together.”
Gene Boecker,
2025 APA President
2025 Chapter and Committee Accomplishments
Board of Directors
On behalf of the Accessibility Professionals Association members, the Board guides the organization to fulfill its mission while operating within the approved budget and achieving desired results within approved budgets.
- Launched the new APA website and new domain name (APAaccess.org)
- Launched the new Member Hub
- Launched the new APA logo
- Launched the new APA forums
- Negotiated with Corada for new member benefits
- Reassessed chapter policies to be more beneficial to chapters
- Submitted comments to US Department of Energy (DOE) on proposed accessibility changes
- Communicated with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) seeking to address concerns over new Architectural Barriers procedures for Registered Accessibility Specialists (RASs)
- Proposed code change modifications to the International Code Council (ICC) for residential peephole requirements
Rocky Mountain Chapter
Welcomes APA members from across the U.S. and offers technical discussions and CE training on a variety of accessibility topics relevant across the nation. The chapter promotes the mission of APA while serving the local and regional needs of its members.
- Provided 2 continuing education webinars
- Hosted four member meetings and roundtable discussions on various technical topics
- Contributed a themed gift basket of survey tools and goodies to the JBMS raffle at the 2025 APA Conference
- Provided guidance and feedback on the APA Chapter Policy and the 2026 Chapter Goals
- Nearly doubled chapter membership this year to 80 members from 19 states
Texas Chapter
Covers the state of Texas and offers training on a variety of topics on accessibility relevant to individuals working in Texas and advocates on behalf of our Texas Chapter members by maintaining close communication with licensing agencies.
- Hosted a chapter dinner and contributed a Texas-themed gift basket to the JBMS raffle at the 2025 APA Conference
- Hosted 5 professional development sessions, including 2 continuing education events and 3 Texas Accessibility Academies
- Achieved 16.8% growth in membership, increasing the roster from 125 to 146 members
- Conducted 2 member meetings, featuring a Business Basics Roundtable on Insurance and an update on TDLR registration process changes
- Advocated for chapter members and RAS license holders with TDLR
Communications and Membership
Enhances APA's visibility and membership by effectively managing communications, promoting the organization to the industry, and fostering member engagement through targeted outreach and retention strategies.
- Launched the new APA Forums
- Contributed to the review of the redesigned APA website
- Aided in the launch of the new APA logo
- Helped define the information to capture in member profiles
- Supported the creation of APA advertising guidelines
- Established and added content to the APA Instagram page
- Authored and submitted content for the quarterly APA newsletter
- Created and ordered enamel pins
- Coordinated with Corada for possible new member benefits
Education and Events
Advances accessibility in the built environment by providing diverse continuing education opportunities, nationally and locally, to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address accessibility challenges.
- Awarded approximately 4100 hours of APAC, ACTCP, AIA, ICC, and TDLR continuing education credits to members and non-members
- Hosted the 2025 APA National Conference with 186 in attendance, conducted two 8-hour webinars with 81 in attendance, and planned the 2026 APA National Conference
- Provided support to the RMC and TXC chapters by assisting with their webinars
- Contributed to the success of the APA Lunch & Learn program
- Researched and selected a venue in San Antonio for the 2027 APA National Conference
Expansion and Marketing
Recruits new members from across the United States, builds new chapters, and supports existing chapters.
- Surveyed chapter leaders and recommended improvements to the Chapter Policy
- Represented APA at the ADA Symposium
- Targeted additional chapter areas to develop in 2026
Jim Boyce Memorial Scholarship
Supports aspiring professionals in the field of accessibility in the built environment by providing scholarships to eligible students.
- Raised more than $3000 in raffle sales
- Reviewed 155 applications
- Awarded two $2000 awards
Legislative and Legal Standards
Interfaces with federal, state, and other regulatory agencies to further accessibility codes and standards.
- Worked with the Technical Standards Committee to provide comments to the Department of Energy, the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), and ICC
- Supported the Texas Chapter’s advocacy for RASs and related communication with TDLR
- Explored APA’s potential role in promoting the Accessible Design Accreditation Initiative (ADAI)
Technical Standards
Assists accessibility professionals in navigating the various accessibility requirements and develops position papers on complex topics.
- Delivered the 2025 National Conference Tech Talks “Ambiguity in Accessibility Requirements”
- Presented “Ambiguity in Accessibility Requirements” at the Fall Webinar
- Established the Code Change Proposals Task Force, which monitored and responded to proposals
- Provided comments regarding RESNA’s proposed Standard Test Method to Measure Firmness and Stability of Ground and Floor Surfaces
- Provided comments regarding the DOE proposed direct final rule Rescinding New Construction Requirements related to Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs or Activities
- Submitted comments to ICC on the IEBC code change proposals
- Supported the APA forums
- Engaged in detailed code discussions during monthly meetings
- Selected topics and presenters for 2026 Tech Talks
- Presented to the Rocky Mountain Chapter about the National Tech Standards Committee
- Planned two free members-only open forums for 2026
2024-2025 Strategic Plan
APA vision and mission will be achieved by focusing the efforts of our Board, committees, and membership on the following objectives:
- Support membership needs
- Strengthen existing member benefits through technical forums, website, job postings, product information, and industry partnerships
- Explore additional member benefits
- Encourage active participation by all APA members through networking, mentoring, and social activities
- Support organizational growth and recognition
- Promote the national presence of APA
- Create state/regional chapters
- Grow and support existing chapters
- Enhance professional development
- Provide accredited continuing education training
- Encourage APA professional certification
- Develop best practices manual
- Promote services provided by our members
- Promote further use of graphics standards including the use of the APA logo on business cards and on email signature blocks
- Utilize website, trade shows, forums, and social media
- Hold our members to high standards of professionalism and ethics
- Promote the APA ethics policy
- Participate in the development, interpretation, and adoption of accessibility regulations
- Maintain a strong relationship with state and federal jurisdictional authorities as well as codes and standards promulgators
- Monitor comment periods and provide input on development of accessibility codes and standards, and hearings as appropriate
- Promote the appointment of APA members to code review boards (ICC, Access Board, AB Advisory, ICC A117.1)
- Promote the value of certified accessibility professionals
- Educate public policymakers to seek out and consider the opinions of APA members on key issues affecting accessibility as appropriate
- Educate members of allied organizations, civic groups, building industry, and commercial real estate industry about the regulator requirements for accessibility in the built and physical environment
- Encourage the industry to adopt the APAC certification as the standard for overall accessibility knowledge in the built environment
April 2024
Thank you
2025 Board of Directors
Gene Boecker, President
Walter Qualls, President-Elect
Tom Ellis, Secretary
Jonathan Mueller, Treasurer
Mark Mazz, Board Member
Sabrina Blackman, Board Member
Sandra Miles, Board Member
Randy Wallace, Board Member
Charles Watt, Past President
2025 Chapter and Committee Chairs
2025 Chapter Presidents
Ashley Pitts, Rocky Mountain Chapter
Meghan Simecek, Texas Chapter
2025 Committee Chairs
Natalie Crawford, Communications/Membership
Angela Shapiro, Education/Events
Jack McClellan, Expansion/Marketing
Meghan Simecek, Jim Boyce Memorial Scholarship
John Torkelson, Legislative/Legal Standards
Matt Lescher, Technical Standards
Welcome
2026 Board of Directors
Walter Qualls, President
Matt Lescher, President-Elect
Mark Mazz, Secretary
Jonathan Mueller, Treasurer
Angela Shapiro, Board Member
Randy Wallace, Board Member
Sabrina Blackman, Board Member
Gene Boecker, Past President
2026 Chapter and Committee Chairs
2026 Chapter Presidents
Angela Shapiro, Rocky Mountain Chapter
Corey Credeur, Texas Chapter
2026 Committee Chairs
Natalie Crawford, Communications/Membership
Angela Shapiro and Gene Boecker, Education/Events
Jack McClellan, Expansion/Marketing
Meghan Simecek, Jim Boyce Memorial Scholarship
John Torkelson, Legislative/Legal Standards
Matt Lescher, Technical Standards
2025 Financials
| REVENUE | 2025 ACTUAL | 2026 BUDGET |
|---|---|---|
| Training revenue | $146,700.00 | $136,550.00 |
| Membership dues | $88,410.00 | $86,910.00 |
| Advertising/Sponsorships | $7,321.00 | $7,900.00 |
| Jim Boyce Memorial Scholarship donations | $6,400.06 | $4,500.00 |
| Total revenue | $248,831.06 | $235,860.00 |
| EXPENSES | ||
| Professional management | $107,023.50 | $110,528.00 |
| Training expenses | $60,302.12 | $79,625.00 |
| Grant to APAC | $15,000.00 | $5,000.00 |
| Software and licenses | $10,106.64 | $11,802.00 |
| Credit card and transaction fees | $9,309.63 | $6,600.00 |
| Jim Boyce Memorial Scholarship awards | $4,000.00 | $4,000.00 |
| Other expenses | $8,625.72 | $17,750.00 |
| Total expenses | $214,367.61 | $235,305.00 |
| BALANCE SHEEET AS OF 12/31/2025 | |
|---|---|
| Total current assets | $499,699.24 |
| Total current liabilities | $125,367.47 |
| Total equity | $374,331.77 |
| Jim Boyce Memorial Scholarship Fund | $11,523.44 |
Vision and Mission
Vision
A national association of professionals with knowledge and expertise in pursuit of compliance with accessibility regulations related to the built and physical environment.
Mission
- Support membership needs and organizational growth
- Enhance professional development
- Actively promote the services provided by our members
- Hold our members to a high standard of professionalism and ethics
- Facilitate consistency in the application of accessibility regulations
- Present a unified voice in our industry
- Actively participate in the development, interpretation, and adoption of accessibility regulations
- Promote the value of certified accessibility specialists and consultants