It’s a privilege to serve as the new Director of the Far West Athletic Trainers’ Association (FWATA), District 8 of the National Athletic Trainer Association (NATA). I would like to share my background with you and my vision for the future of the District.
I began my journey in athletic training as a member of the NATA in 1986, received both degrees at San Diego State University, was the California Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA) Region 6 Director for 3 years, CATA secretary for 3 years and have been the District 8 Secretary for the past 5 years. I have also served as the chair for the NATA District Secretary and Treasurers Committee giving me the opportunity to work side by side with most of the board members from the other 9 Districts. I am currently the Head Athletic Trainer at San Diego Christian College.
The past 13 years of volunteering have been a fantastic opportunity to serve you, the members. My passion for the profession of athletic training is great and revealed by the high expectations I place on my students, colleagues and myself. I’m proud of where we’ve been, who we are and I want to represent you on the NATA Board of Directors. I encourage everyone to find an area that fires you up and do something, anything. This organization is only as solid as our members make it. It can be as simple as submitting a blurb to the NATA news promoting a colleague or keeping an eye on your local media – positively reinforcing those that correctly call us Athletic Trainer.
My focus as your director needs to be well rounded. Every committee we support is critical from the different populations and arenas we work in to governmental affairs with public relations, promotion, scholarships, research and grants in the mix. I will hold the entire managing board accountable for making sure that as a liaison to their specific committees that he/she be involved, supportive and proactive. Our committee chairs will be held accountable for recruitment and achieving goals in a timely manner. FWATA needs more nominations for national awards, more students applying for scholarships, and more members hitting the hill. Thank you again for this opportunity to serve. I look forward to continuing my service as your Director.
Sincerely,