National Elections

Learn about AMTA's National Elections. 

AMTA 2025 Election Slate Final.jpg

2024 National Elections

The 2024 Slate Selection Commission is proud to present this year's American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) National Board Election Slate for your approval and support: Heber Blackner, Matthew Fecteau, Bob Jantsch, Debra Kilty, and Cheryl Siniakin. 

This year's slate includes massage therapists from across the profession who bring a wealth of volunteer experience in both chapter and national positions to the AMTA Board of Directors. They would all bring their energy and complementary skills to AMTA's National Board.

The AMTA National Elections will be open Friday, November 15 through Monday, December 2. All professional members (as of October 1) are eligible to vote and should receive their ballot via email on November 15. If you haven't received a ballot, please contact chapterrelations@amtamassage.org.

Heber Blackner (UT)

Biography:

Heber J. Blackner is Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and has been a practicing massage therapist for 12 years. He trained at the Myotherapy College of Utah, where he mastered more than 20 modalities, including sports massage and myofascial release. Heber has served in many roles with Utah Chapter, including Board Member, Financial Administrator, and Chapter President.  To honor his service, the Utah Chapter awarded him with a Chapter Meritorious Award in 2024. Heber is seeking to return as a member of the National Board.

For more than a decade, Heber has served as Captain of marathon massage teams, where he recruits and trains massage therapists for each race. Prior to his career in massage therapy, Heber spent 25 years managing and training teams of up to 200 people.

Heber shares, “I appreciate all that AMTA has given me, and I want to give back to the members and the profession. I want to be a part of something that changes lives.” He further adds, “True leadership is founded on service, so I have made a conscious effort to assist in any way possible.”

Education:

  • Myotherapy College of Utah (820 hours), 2012

Experience:

  • VP/Board Member Utah Chapter, 2016-2018
  • Chapter President Utah Chapter, 2018-2022
  • Financial Admin Utah Chapter, 2022
  • Director, AMTA National Board of Directors, 2022-present

Awards:

  • State of Nevada Service Award, 1988
  • Governor's Outstanding Service Award (Governor Michael Leavitt), 2001
  • Top Division Citi Group, 2007, 2008
  • Key Scouters Award, 2014, 2015, 2016
  • Award from Past National President AMTA, 2022
  • Utah Chapter Meritorious Award, 2024

Matthew Fecteau (NC)

Biography:

Matthew Fecteau has been a licensed massage therapist since 2014 and holds his Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Over the years, he has served in various roles with the North Carolina Chapter, including Board Member, Delegate, Membership Committee Chair, and President (2022-2024). He is now poised to bring his experience to the National Board as a new member.

Currently, Matthew serves on the National Education Selection Committee, the Massage Therapy Foundation Writing Committee, and is also a reviewer for the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. His contributions have earned him several honors, including the NC Chapter New Volunteer of the Year and National New Volunteer of the Year awards in 2022, as well as the NC Chapter Meritorious Award in 2024. Among his areas of interest, Matthew is particularly passionate about AMTA’s health care policy initiative.

Reflecting on his AMTA volunteer experience, Matthew shares, “Building relationships was key to creating a positive, successful culture. I focused on connecting with colleagues, both within the chapter and through the Assembly of Delegates. Together, we built and strengthened our community on a foundation of respect and trust.”

He further adds, “It’s essential to embrace diverse perspectives. I don’t always have the answer, and that’s okay—being open, respectful, and supportive leads to success for everyone involved. It also helps to have such wonderful volunteers by your side.”

Education:

  • Edward Little High School, Auburn, ME, Diploma, 1994
  • University of Maine, Orono, ME, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, 1999
  • University of Maine, Orono, ME, Graduate Student in Neuroscience, 2004-2006
  • Body Therapy Institute, Siler City, NC, Massage Therapy Diploma, 2014
  • Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist, NC, 2014-present
  • National Certification Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Board Certified, 2021-present

Experience:

  • NC Chapter Board Member, 2021-2022
  • NC Chapter Delegate, 2021 to present
  • NC Chapter Membership Committee Chair, 2021-present
  • NC Chapter President, 2022-2024
  • National Education Selection Committee, 2022-present
  • Massage Therapy Foundation Writing Committee, 2023-present
  • International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Reviewer, 2023-present
  • Forsyth Technical Community College, Therapeutic Massage Advisory Board, 2023-present

Awards:

  • NC New Volunteer of the Year, 2022
  • National New Volunteer of the Year, 2022
  • NC Chapter Meritorious, 2024

Bob Jantsch (PA)

Biography:

Robert (Bob) has been a massage therapist since 1981 and served as the Director and Owner of the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy from 1986 to 2019. He has been an active volunteer in the Pennsylvania Chapter since 1988, including a term as Chapter President. Bob is seeking to return as a National Board member.

Bob played a key role in the development and organization of the House of Delegates (now known as the Assembly of Delegates) and previously served as Chair of the Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy.

“I find great fulfillment in serving AMTA and the massage therapy profession. These past few years have been incredibly rewarding, and I believe my contributions have benefited the organization, its members, and the profession. I view my continued participation on the Board as a way to provide value to the profession and the association while maintaining my identity as a massage therapist,” Bob shares.

He further adds, “My approach to problem-solving has been beneficial to the Board’s decision-making processes. Additionally, my long history with AMTA gives me a perspective that newer members may not possess.”

Education:

  • Chartiers Valley High School, Pittsburgh, PA, diploma, 1971
  • Boulder School of Massage, Boulder, CO, diploma, 1981
  • Massage Therapist, 1981-present
  • Licensed Massage Therapist, PA, 2015-present

Experience:

  • Director/Owner Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy, 1986-2019
  • Western PA Unit Chair, 1988-1990
  • Western PA District Representative, 1990-1992
  • PA Standing Rules Committee Chair, 1992-2002
  • PA Delegate to National Convention, 1990-2002 (Missed one year) & 2007, 2017 and 2018
  • House of Delegates Operations Committee, 1997-1999 & 2001-2003 & 2007-2009
  • PA Chapter President, 1996 - 2000
  • Western PA District Representative, 2007-2008
  • Council of Schools Annual Meeting Planning Committee, 2006 -2008
  • Council of Schools Annual Meeting Planning Committee Chair, 2008
  • AMTA National Board of Directors, 2019-present

Awards:

  • PA Chapter Meritorious Award Recipient, 1999

Debra Kilty (RI)

Biography:

Debra Kilty has been a licensed massage therapist since 2008. She has held various leadership roles in the Rhode Island Chapter, including her role as Chapter President from 2018 to 2022.  Debra also served as Chapter President’s Council (CPC) Moderator from 2021-2022.  Currently, Debra serves as the Rhode Island Chapter Secretary and the Assembly of Delegates Chair & Moderator. She has been recognized with numerous awards from the Rhode Island chapter, including the Chapter Meritorious Award in 2015 and the Rhode Island President’s Award in 2017 and 2024. Debra is now seeking to join the National Board as a new member.

During her tenure as Chapter President, Debra implemented strategies that enhanced the chapter’s continuing education workshops. She also redesigned the chapter’s fall member event, which strengthened community ties, improved communication, and expanded networking opportunities.

“I’m driven to serve on the national board by my deep passion for the massage therapy profession and AMTA. As a national director, I would be dedicated to making a meaningful impact and advancing AMTA’s mission. This role would allow me to apply the leadership and governance skills I’ve developed at the chapter level to the national stage,” Debra explains.

She further adds, “I am eager to work with a team that drives positive change and advancement within AMTA and the broader massage therapy community.”

Education:

  • Stoneham High School, Stoneham, MA, Diploma, 1981
  • Cortiva Institute; Muscular Therapy Institute, Watertown, MA, Massage Therapy Certificate, 2008

Experience:

  • RI Chapter Newsletter Editor, 2010-2016
  • New England Regional Conference Committee Member, 2013-2014
  • RI Chapter Secretary, 2014-2018; 2024-present
  • RI Chapter Convention Committee Co-Chair, 2016-2017
  • RI Chapter President, 2018-2022
  • Chapter President’s Council Moderator-Elect, 2021
  • Chapter President’s Council Moderator, 2022
  • RI Chapter Delegate, 2023
  • National Award Revitalization Workgroup, 2023
  • Assembly of Delegates Chair & Moderator, 2024-present

Awards:

  • RI Chapter Meritorious Award Winner, 2015
  • RI Chapter President’s Award Winner, 2017, 2024

Cheryl Siniakin (PA)

Biography

Cheryl Siniakin has been a licensed massage therapist in Pennsylvania since 1986 and holds Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. She has served in AMTA leadership roles since 1990 and chaired the National Bylaws Standing Committee for more than 25 years. With 33 years of experience as a massage educator, Cheryl would be a returning member to the National Board.

In 1999, Cheryl spearheaded the creation of a two-year Associate in Science degree program in massage therapy at her local community college—a program that continues to thrive today. She also served as a site visitor for the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), and was the Pennsylvania Chapter President from 1994 to 1996.

Cheryl shares, “I am passionate about AMTA’s mission and governing documents. At the Board table, I respectfully communicate my understanding and opinions, often bringing a unique perspective to discussions while staying open-minded to others’ viewpoints.”

“I am a trained listener, able to hear what a speaker is saying without bias. This skill has been invaluable in achieving our goals and working effectively with the AMTA National Board.”

Education 

  • Peabody High School, Pittsburgh, PA, Diploma, 1972
  • University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, Bachelor of Science, Psychology, 1979
  • Ozark Life Center School of Therapy Technology, Fayetteville, AR, Certificate, 1985
  • Heed University, Hollywood, FL, PhD, Education, 1996
  • Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA, Master of Arts, Psychology, 2013
  • Licensed Massage Therapist, AR, 1986-93
  • Licensed Massage Therapy Instructor, AR, 1993-present
  • Licensed Massage Therapist, PA, 2011-present
  • National Certification Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Nationally Certified, 1992-2018
  • National Certification Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Board Certified, 2018-present

Experience

  • PA Chapter Western Unit-Secretary-Treasurer, 1990-1991
  • PA Chapter Third Vice President, 1991-1993
  • PA Chapter First Vice President, 1993-1994
  • PA Chapter President, 1994-1996
  • National Bylaws Chair, 1995-2023
  • National Member At Large, 2015-2016
  • AMTA CEO Search Committee Team member, 2023
  • Finance Committee’s Review Organizational Stipend Workgroup member, 2023
  • Coaching and Counseling team member for Alabama Chapter, 2023-2024
  • Director, AMTA National Board of Directors, 2023-2025
  • Finance Committee member, 2024-2025

Awards 

  • PA Chapter Meritorious Award, 1996
  • National Meritorious Award, 1996
  • National Outstanding Committee Chair Award, 2000
  • PA Chapter President’s Award, 2006
  • National Distinguished Service Award, 2007
  • National Certificate of Appreciation, 2019

AMTA National Board Eligibility Requirements 

If you have been an AMTA professional member for at least three years and have served as an elected chapter volunteer, or an appointed or elected national volunteer within the past three years, you are eligible to be considered for the AMTA National Board of Directors.

If you meet these eligibility requirements, consider applying to serve on the National Board of Directors. The application is the first step in a rigorous process designed to help find AMTA members whose personal and professional strengths create the strongest national board team while considering diversity and inclusion.

AMTA National Board Candidate Checklist

To be considered, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria and complete the application process. Find out what AMTA’s National Board application process entails.

  1. Sign the board of directors code of conduct.
  2. Fill out an applicant eligibility form.
  3. Sign the conflict of interest form.
  4. Take four online courses and pass the corresponding online exams.
  5. Fill out the bio application.
  6. Submit a 60-90 second candidate video.
  7. Submit three letters of reference from professional and personal colleagues and friends. 
  8. Participate in a 30-minute phone interview with the Slate Selection Commission.

What is the Slate Selection Commission?

The Slate Selection Commission is a group of current and recent past national volunteers with deep knowledge of AMTA, who guide candidates through the application process and ensure they meet the high standards required of national board service.

Members eligible to serve on this commission include: Chapter President Council Moderators, past national presidents and board members, past and current national standing, advisory and operational committee chairs and members, and past Slate Selection Commission members.

The Slate Selection Commission has the important responsibility to bring forward the strongest slate of candidates for AMTA members to consider.

Bylaws: Slate Selection Commission

  • The Slate Selection Commission receives and reviews applications for candidacy to the national board and shall ensure that one qualified candidate is on the ballot for each open position. A member of the Slate Selection Commission may not be recruited for an elected position.
  • The Slate Selection Commission shall be appointed by the President with approval of the National Board of Directors.
  • Current members of the National Board of Directors may not serve on the SSC.
  • There shall be five members selected from the following four groups:
    • Group 1: Past National Presidents having served within the last five years after completion of their term as Immediate Past President.
    • Group 2: Past National Board Members having completed one full term in their position within the last five years
    • Group 3: Slate Selection Commission members having served within the last five years.
    •  Group 4: Select National Volunteers
      a. Members or Chairs of standing committees, advisory committees, and/or operational committees having completed one full term within their position within the last five years.
      b. Chapter Presidents Council (CPC) moderators having completed one full term within their position within the last five years
      c. Assembly of Delegates Advisory Committee Chairs and members having completed one full term within their position within the last five years.
  • The term is for two years beginning on the first day of the fiscal year following the appointment.
  • Slate Selection Commission members shall serve no more than three consecutive two-year terms, but may be reappointed following at least a year’s absence on the Commission provided that eligibility requirements are met.
  • The President-Elect is an ex-officio and non-voting member.
  • The chair of the Slate Selection Commission shall be appointed by the President.
  • Duties and empowerments of the Slate Selection Commission shall be defined in AMTA policy.

Policy: The SSC has the following duties and empowerments:

  • Shall review AMTA recruitment and elections policies.
  • Shall consult with the Commissioner of Elections regarding the “Call for Candidates” and election education materials.
  • Shall establish candidate application credentialing procedures.
  • Shall assess the skillsets and expertise needed by the board.
  • Shall contact incumbents to discover if they intend to seek re-election.
  • Shall make available appropriate education tools for potential applicants.
  • Shall recruit for all open Director positions between August 1 and November 1.
  • Shall confirm that each candidate has demonstrated a familiarity with AMTA Bylaws, policy, procedure and other relevant information through online testing or similar methods.
  • Shall respond to all applicants in writing from September 1-15 to verify receipt of their application.
  • Shall interview all applicants.
  • Shall determine the best applicants to fill positions on the slate.
  • Shall notify applicants in writing that they are or are not placed on the slate prior to November 15.
  • Shall create and maintain guidelines for publication of candidate information.
  • Shall submit a written report to the Commissioner of Elections before November 15, which includes the final slate.
  • Shall ensure that the slate is published on the AMTA website by November 15.
  • The members of the SSC shall not disclose the names of slated candidates until the slate is posted online.

Resources

Future Directions/Strategic Plan
Director Position Description

Bylaws and Policy

Bylaws—Article VII
Policy—Candidacy & Elections