A Letter From the President

"I started mulling over the idea of this organization in 2018 when I realized that there was very little community for industrial athletic trainers outside of our workplaces. In 2019, I seriously got to work on the concept, building a bit at a time expecting that something would organically come together. Though COVID brought the industrial setting of athletic training front and center, many questions about ourselves and the athletic training profession at large remained unanswered. Finally, after four long years, the answer is here. We are the answer. You are the answer. At a time where there is uncertainty and confusion, we strive to provide belonging, community, advocacy, and recognition for your work, effort, hopes, and dreams. If after checking us out, you feel that there is something for you to do or say, we invite you to join us so we can reach the next level.

There is so much to do, but I would be remise if I did not recognize those who have already done so much. In 2022, movers and shakers in the athletic training profession came together to form our board. Our team clicked so well and began to produce so quickly that I only regret not building with these incredible individuals sooner. Chris Proctor is the best VP any president could want. He exemplifies goal clarity and choice action. Shelby Pocius is the action behind many of the actions you see from our organization. She has a passion and love for the industrial setting that might exceed my own. I have known Sam Arredondo since his days as a tactical athletic trainer and I take full credit for convincing him to bring his talents to the industrial setting. I would say he has been invaluable, but that's probably offensive to a treasurer. These individuals understand the problem we set out to solve, and are willing to do the work. Without them, this wouldn't be here. A huge round of applause to Jessica McManus our Social Media manager for bringing her sharp skills to us in our time of need. She's probably the reason you're reading this right now.

Here's to Brian Murray and the team at Go4 for continuing to push the AT profession and for believing in me to the point of compensating me for the content I created. That money made it much easier to save up to get this organization off the ground. Mike Martinez, at Ball State, for being like a big brother to me and sharing his incredible insight not only as veteran AT, but as a thought leader in the profession. And, long before IATS ever existed, there was "Industrial ATs Across America". This Facebook group, built by Ainsley Capra is a community over over 1,000 people. There are WAY more people who deserve recognition, but if I keep going I'll probably alienate the ones I'm forgetting so I'll draw this to a close. Welcome.

Hard work pays off. This is the future of work."

- Susan Taah