Rochester is GLATA President-Elect

Julie Rochester (HPER) has been elected the Great Lakes Athletic Trainers Association (GLATA) president-elect of her district. She will hold that position until 2008, then serve a two-year term as president. Rochester had been the organization’s secretary for six years.

“This is an exciting leadership position that will enable me to assist in moving GLATA forward during a time where technology is at the forefront, continuing education opportunities are a challenge, and health care issues and concerns are at an all-time high,” Rochester said.

In a recent development impacting the field, Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the Michigan Athletic Trainers Licensure Bill, which will go into effect in December 2006. It will require all athletic trainers in Michigan to obtain a license to practice in the state.

Her duties include chairing various committees and fulfilling the duties of the current president in cases of absence, or as needed. She was elected to the position by the popular vote of the GLATA membership. When she is president in 2008, Rochester will possess full power and complete responsibility to transact all business on behalf of her district. She also will be responsible for calling meetings, implementing and mandating policies, appointing various positions, and several other tasks.

GLATA is comprised of approximately 6,000 members from Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Indiana. Their mission is to enhance the quality of health care for the physically active, promote the athletic trainer, and advance the profession of athletic training through education and research in the prevention, evaluation, management and rehabilitation of injuries.

March is National Athletic Training Month.