ABMP Announces Leadership Changes
Professional Assist Corporation (PAC), the parent organization to Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), recently announced changes in its leadership team. Bob Benson, PAC and ABMP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since 1996, announced his intention to step down as PAC CEO as of January 1, 2018, and recommended to the PAC Board of Directors that Les Sweeney, PAC and ABMP President, succeed him as CEO.
Under Benson’s leadership, ABMP grew from slightly more than 15,000 members to become the largest association serving the massage profession, with more than 80,000 members. In addition, PAC launched sister associations Associated Skin Care Professionals, Associated Hair Professionals, and Associated Nail Professionals—each of which is now the largest individual membership association in its respective field.
Benson’s stepping down as CEO does not signal a departure from PAC. “I am excited for Les having an opportunity to take the reins. He has developed his skills, worked hard and creatively, and contributed significantly to more than two decades of company success,” Benson says. “I will continue to shoulder several operational responsibilities, including a couple new ones, as well as providing leadership as Board Chairman.”
Sweeney adds, “Bob Benson has dramatically changed the massage profession for the better over the past 21 years; our organization and the profession owe him a great debt of gratitude. Succeeding him is both an honor and a challenge; I have big shoes to fill—literally! The good news is he’ll continue to be around. And the bottom line is ABMP members can expect to continue to receive best-in-class service and resources.”
ABMP’s 5 Most Popular Webinars (with Free CE)
As an ABMP member, you get free continuing education hours from any of our 150+ webinars, all available on demand in the ABMP Education Center at www.abmp.com/ce.
Here are the five most popular webinars in the Education Center:
1. “Intelligent Deep-Tissue Massage: Part 1–Body Mechanics” with Eric Stephenson
2. “Advanced Deep Tissue Muscular Therapy Techniques: Low Back and Neck” with Ben Benjamin
3. “Myofascial Techniques: The Sacrotuberous Ligaments” with Til Luchau
4. “Intelligent Deep-Tissue Massage: Part 2–Upper Body” with Eric Stephenson
5. “Active Engagement Techniques” with Whitney Lowe
FSMTB Announces Changes to MBLEx Content
The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) announced upcoming changes to Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) content.
Using findings from the 2017 Job Task Analysis Survey, MBLEx content was analyzed and revised. The suggested changes will be incorporated into the exam effective July 1, 2018.
Changes to the distribution of topics tested are as follows:
• Anatomy & Physiology changes from 12 percent to 11 percent
• Kinesiology changes from 11 percent to 12 percent
• Pathology, Contraindications, Areas of Caution, and Special Populations changes from 13 percent to 14 percent
• Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue changes from 14 percent to 15 percent
• Client Assessment, Reassessment & Treatment Planning remains at 17 percent
• Ethics, Boundaries, Laws, and Regulations changes from 15 percent to 16 percent
• Guidelines for Professional Practice changes from 13 percent to 15 percent
For further details and additional versions of the current and future content outline, visit the FSMTB website at
www.fsmtb.org.