I know two now. Becoming a board member from humble beginnings like most of us in the secondary setting is attainable.
Mike Carroll, Tony Fitzpatrick and Cathy Supak are really good friends who have held many leadership positions in Athletic Training. Mike and Tony have basically climbed the ladder all the way to become board members for the NATA and the BOC. If you want to become a decision maker then listen to the ones who have done it from the bottom.
We are broadcasting live from the 2018 NATA expo in New Orleans.
We used Facebook live, YouTube Live, Instagram Live and even periscope to stream as many of the NATA 2018 Expo Interviews as possible.
YouTube Live videos: The Sports Medicine Broadcast
Dr. Christina Eyers is the director of Sports Medicine and Athletic Training services for the Henry For Health Care System.
Understanding the leadership challenges for the hospital system is a slightly different animal and can help us communicate better with our medical providers.
As Manager of Athletic Training at Henry Ford Health System she oversees of over 30 athletic trainers who service over 20 teams (professional, collegiate, and high schools) in the metro-Detroit area.
Christina completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Movement Science from the University of Michigan, holds a Master of Arts degree in Health Studies from the University of Alabama, and earned her Doctor of Education degree from Central Michigan University.
Employed at Henry Ford Health System since 2011, she is currently the Manager of Athletic Training for the Division of Orthopaedics.
Prior to this, she has worked with collegiate athletes at the University of Michigan, University of Alabama, Saginaw Valley State University, and Central Michigan University;
As well as intramural and recreational athletes at Central Michigan University; and youth soccer athletes through the US Olympic Development Program.
Christina has also held positions at Central Michigan University as an Assistant Professor and Saginaw Valley State University as Adjunct Faculty.
What Else Has Dr. Eyers done?
Christina has published and presented at the state, district, national and international levels.
She is also past President of the Michigan Athletic Trainers' Society (2009-2010), has served in leadership and committee roles with the GLATA and NATA.
Furthermore, Dr Christina Eyers is currently appointed to the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for Athletic Trainers.
And finally, serves on the Board of Directors for the NATAPAC.
Many ATs have moved on to Administration. Ross Cooper is an Athletic Director and Athletic Trainer for Detroit County Day Schools.
John Ciecko gets to the point to figure out how he got there and how you can follow Ross's path.
Here are a few key points from Ross Cooper
Experienced ATs already perform many of the duties of an Athletic Director
You have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone
Exposure to multiple leaders and leadership styles is beneficial
Self-Reflection is crucial
Relationships with each person are important – never know who is watching
Be a good listener
Ross also mentioned he took the schedules and policies and made them all digital. Using a system like Dragonfly MAX can help an Athletic Trainer reduce paper work, streamline the PPE process and improve communication with coaches, parents, and athletes
Brandy Currie is a John Maxwell Team leader and speaker. Goal setting is one of the keys to maintaining consistent leadership. Passionate about both AT and Leadership Brandy is glad to be able to join us as we grow our profession.
John Ciecko has a whole board of goals he checks off as he accomplishes them.
Some of the goals are daily:
Wake up at 5 am,
exercise for 30 minutes,
eat a healthy breakfast
Some of the goals are weekly, monthly and yearly.
What other books should you read?
Brandy recommends pretty much anything by John C Maxwell but the top of her required reading is:
Dr. Knoblauch is an Athletic Training educator. He is dealing with our replacements. Consequently it is his job to stay relevant with this current student generation.
If you feel like this current generation is lazy then check out his presentation and Follow up interview. Every generation feels like the ones after them are not as motivated.
We can complain about how “they” are not like “us” or we can move towards understanding and meet somewhere in between.
Find ways to meet the needs of this student generation. Reach out and help them grow into a professional worthy of the title Athletic Trainer.
Understand times have changed and so have the needs, demands, values and stresses. Our current student generation will only be as good as we allow them to be.
I really appreciate your help and support
Bob Marley for continuing to allow us to record and interview the speakers.
Rob Huggins and Larry Cooper discuss the ATLAS project, some of the finding and some of the cool things that are coming from it.
