MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 8 -- The SMTA today announced Abby Tsoi as recipient of its Excellence in Leadership Award, for his work in forming the organization's Hong Kong chapter.

The award honors SMTA members who stand out as leaders within the association.

In a press release, SMTA said Tsoi's devoted hours of time, personal financial support and leadership so that colleagues could benefit from SMTA membership via a local chapter. He was the first student from China to earn SMTA Certification and joined other chapter officers in Minneapolis for a Leadership Forum last March.