Being Thankful
As an Athletic Trainer, I have so much to be thankful
for—having a job where every day we are able to help our patients return to the
activity they love. Watching our patients improve from one day to the next, and
knowing that we are an important cog in that process is priceless.
As your District Director, I am also very thankful, first
and foremost for being chosen as your Director. I am also thankful that I serve
a district of members whose passion and love for our profession is more than evident.
We don’t always agree about what is the best course of action, but we do agree
that we want our profession to progress, and that’s what really matters.
I am fortunate to serve with a number of outstanding leaders
on our SWATA Board of Directors who are able to “check their egos” at the door,
(as requested by President David Gish), and make decisions that are in the best
interest of the organization and our members. By now, you’ve learned of the
leadership plan for the SWATA Board: a plan that the Board carefully
considered, thoroughly discussed, and unanimously approved. As you can imagine,
this was not an easy decision, and was not done in haste. As requested by the
SWATA Board, I am assuming leadership of the SWATA on a temporary basis. In losing
President David Gish, we have faced the worst possible scenario as a District,
but I am confident that the leaders in our District have, and will continue to
rise to the occasion, putting our members first.
I have only two goals during these next months: to open the
channels of communication within the SWATA, and to facilitate the transition of
leadership to our next President, Josh Woodall. As we move forward, know that
this Board’s priority is the members of the SWATA, and this priority drives
every discussion and every decision.
My final thankful is that I was able to serve with President
David Gish. Though his time as President was very short, his impact remains—a
great leader with a passion for leaving this profession better than he found
it, which he did.
Happy Holidays to everyone!
Kathy I. Dieringer EdD, ATC, LAT
District Director
