Carol Zehnacker passed away Sunday, November 21, 2021. Dr. Zehnacker was a physical therapist and a member of the APTA for 56 years. She served our profession in many ways at both the state and national levels as a leader, mentor, and advocate. She received her degree in Physical Therapy from Duke University and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Widener University. 

She demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the profession with not only her personal time and efforts through the years as an APTA member but with her dedication to her various roles within APTA Maryland. Carol was a delegate in the APTA House of Delegates for many years and served as Chief Delegate, Director of Government Affairs, Western District Chair, Federal Affairs Liaison, and Director for Reimbursement.

At the state level, Dr. Zehnacker served for ten years on the Maryland Physical Therapy Board of Examiners. At the national level, she served as the Federal Affairs Liaison and Government Affairs Committee Chair for the Home Health Section. In this role she advocated fiercely against administrative burden and regulations that hamper PTs ability to provide quality care which can lead to provider burnout. 

Dr. Zehnacker has been acknowledged by her colleagues for outstanding service to the profession of physical therapy and has been awarded the APTA Maryland Henry O. and Florence P. Kendall Awardee in 2005; the Richard T. Peret Distinguished Service Award in 2018; the Stephen Levine Award in 2019; and, by APTA with the 2021 Lucy Blaire Service Award. Many members will tell you that Carol was the first to welcome them to the Maryland Chapter and the profession. Friends and colleagues will tell you that Carol was passionate, entertai