As summer is finally in full spring (and for some of you already winding down), I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for your professionalism and support during my first year as the Director for D10.  The year has definitely been one full of challenges and surprises.  As I meet with the directors of the other 9 NATA Districts, I am reminded just how lucky I am to be serving each of you.  District 10 is truly unique!

This year has been very busy for us as an Executive Board.  As a reminder, I encourage you to keep up to date with all the happenings of the District as our meeting minutes are posted regularly.  Below are some highlights from the year:

• ·         Induction of 2 new colleagues into our Hall of Fame – Jim Richards and Barrie Steele
• ·         Multiple members recognized both regionally and nationally for service and leadership distinction
• ·         Welcoming of our first 2 Honorary Members to the NWATA – Chuck Kimmel and Brian Robinson
• ·         Hosting the 2^nd largest meeting in our District’s history (Spokane) followed by the largest national meeting ever (Philly)
• ·         All 5 state associations are active and doing great things (i.e. concussion legislation/regulation)

I am excited about the progress that we made on our strategic initiatives in the District and you can anticipate seeing our plan for 2010 -11 in late August.  On the national level, we continue to grapple with trying to find the right balance between our past and future.  There are a number of very exciting national initiatives that you will hear about through the course of the year.  Feel free to let me know about your thoughts and concerns as we negotiate these exciting, yet complex issues.  Again, enjoy the rest of your summer and I look forward to another year in your service.

Russ Richardson ATC/L

Director, NWATA – D10

Dear Member,

 The Executive Board of the NWATA-District 10 recently met to establish the goals and objectives of the association for the next couple of years. Our association has a long history of stability characterized by outstanding leadership at both the district and national level. We intend to continue to build on the firm foundation previously established and to move our district to the next level as an organization.

In order to achieve this we have identified two overarching goals. The first is to work hard to create a “culture of inclusion.” This board desires to be known/perceived as being approachable to our members. We will work to honor and recognize our members at all levels. Our second goal is to foster a “climate of member involvement.” Athletic trainers are renowned for their volunteer spirit. As a board we desire to work on strengthening the support we provide to our state associations while at the same time attempting to develop leaders and provide opportunities for membership involvement. These are lofty goals and we are committed to achieving them.

We have identified the following specific objectives:

1. To be one of the primary CEU providers for our members

a. This will require us to increase the quality of our annual meeting and clinical symposium

b. We intend to provide district sponsored 1 day workshops in conjunction with our annual meeting. The workshops will provide an environment for hands on active learning to take place

c. We hope to implement a town hall meeting for our members to address the district leadership with questions and concerns

2. To strengthen the opportunities that we provide to our athletic training students (ATS)

a. Under the leadership of the mentor for the College and University ATS Committee we will evaluate the success and likely expand the offerings for our annual student forum (i.e. poster presentations)

b. We plan to implement a district based Quiz Bowl in 2010

c. We will continue to further develop and refine our student leadership structure

3. To support the Alaska Athletic Trainers Association as they grow and develop

a. We will continue to provide affordable CEU opportunities to our members in Alaska

b. The NWATA will provide professional expertise and assistance to Alaska related to governance and legislative assistance

4. To demonstrate an appreciation of our District’s historical significance

a. We will continue to expand our Hall of Fame display

b. The BOD will be presenting our association’s history based on the holdings within our archives

5. To provide long-term financial stability for the NWATA

a. We are developing a more intentional strategic investment plan

b. The revenue from our district based 1 day workshops will provide additional resources to keep our Annual Meeting and Clinical Symposium at affordable levels

6. To fully endow the NATA Foundation’s Mark Smaha Scholarship ($40,000 has been pledged, or donated towards the $50,000 goal)

a. The BOD in conjunction with the Foundation will be identifying a steering committee to identify potential donors to close the remaining gap

b. The NWATA BOD has 100% of its members that have given or pledged towards the endowment

7. To develop a Policy and Procedure Manual that will direct future boards. The manual will include:

a. The Association Mission and objectives

b. Articles of Incorporation

c. Bylaws

d. Governance/organizational structure

e. Budget information

As you can see, many of these initiatives are already well underway. Several of them align with national initiatives. Our ability to achieve these goals and objectives is dependent on your involvement. The majority of these tasks are measureable and should serve as the basis for evaluation of our effectiveness as a board and association. On behalf of the BOD, thank you in advance as we continue to strengthen our profession. We look forward to serving you in any way that we can. Please feel free to contact me with any question, comments, or concerns.

Sincerely,

Russ Richardson EdD, ATC

Director NWATA - District 10