News and Media

FSMTB Introduces Director of Government Relations Sally Hacking, MSN, RN

February 2, 2009

Contact: Debra Persinger, Ph.D.
Executive Director, FSMTB
dpersinger@fsmtb.org / 913.681.0380

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 2, 2009

(Overland Park, Kan. – February 2) – The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sally Hacking, MSN, RN, as Director of Government Relations.

Debra Persinger, PhD, FSMTB executive director stated “ Hacking’s desire is and always has been to work for the betterment of the profession. The goals of the Federation coupled with the provision of a state owned and operated licensing examination – the MBLEx – provide the perfect avenue for Hacking to continue her 21 years of unsurpassed experience with integrity and transparency to serve the regulatory community and work for fair and appropriate regulation for the profession.”

Hacking, a former elected official, is a well-known and respected person in the massage and bodywork community. She has significant expertise in government relations and legislative strategic planning, formerly serving as national AMTA legislative consultant, advising certification boards, AMTA state chapters, and private industry. Her consulting work promoting fair practice standards in both state and local government has involved legislators, state and local governing agencies, the business sector, and practitioners across the nation. Hacking has always advocated for providing government officials with accurate information to allow them to make informed decisions.

Hacking states, “In a short space of time, the FSMTB has quickly become recognized as a leader in the professional community. I am eager to assist in the important work of the Federation as we serve the needs of the regulatory community, support the mission of public protection, and participate in the evolution of the profession as a whole.”

The Federation is delighted to be able to capitalize on Hacking’s extensive skills and expertise to support its member boards in their work of public protection, improving communication between states and offering prospects for enhanced licensing reciprocity for the ultimate benefit of safe massage and bodywork practice protecting consumers.

About FSMTB
The mission of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards is to support its Member Boards in their work to ensure that the practice of massage therapy is provided to the public in a safe and effective manner.

# # #