Volunteer for a Comittee

Want to get involved with WATA? Join one of our committees! To volunteer for a committee, individuals can complete the online form and indicate which committee they are interested in. Volunteers need to include their NPI number, a letter of interest, and a resume. The information will be shared with the committee chair or board of directors and the individual will be put in contact with an appropriate representative of the committee. 

  Submit Volunteer Application  

Committee Descriptions

Awards & Scholarship Committee

The Awards & Scholarship Committee oversees the nomination, review, and selection process for WATA awards and scholarships. This committee recognizes excellence, service, leadership, and scholarship within the profession while maintaining accurate records of all awards granted. Members play a key role in celebrating the achievements of athletic trainers and students across Wisconsin.

Who Should Consider Joining:

Athletic trainers who value recognition, enjoy reviewing applications, and want to help highlight outstanding professionals and students across Wisconsin.

Committee Chair Contact:
Anna Lindstedt
[email protected] 

Communications Committee (Public Relations & Website)

The Communications Committee serves as both the internal and external voice of WATA. This committee manages the association’s website, social media platforms, newsletters, and promotional efforts while supporting marketing initiatives and member communication. The committee works closely with the Board and other committees to ensure timely, accurate, and engaging messaging that promotes WATA initiatives and the athletic training profession.

Who Should Consider Joining:

ATs with interests in marketing, writing, graphic design, social media, or storytelling—or anyone who enjoys helping share the impact of athletic training.

Committee Chair Contact:
Eliza Barter
[email protected]

Continuing Education Committee

The Continuing Education Committee plans, develops, and oversees WATA-sponsored continuing education opportunities. The committee ensures that programs are high quality, accessible, and compliant with BOC requirements, allowing members to earn Category A CEUs close to home. This committee plays a vital role in professional development and lifelong learning for Wisconsin athletic trainers.

Who Should Consider Joining:

ATs passionate about lifelong learning, professional development, and helping peers access high-quality continuing education opportunities.

Committee Chair Contact:
April Gotzler & Jennifer Thorpe
[email protected] 

WATA ATs CARE Committee

The WATA ATs CARE Committee provides peer-to-peer Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) support to athletic trainers, students, teams, coaches, and families following critical incidents. This committee delivers confidential, evidence-based stress management interventions and supports the mental health and well-being of the athletic training community across Wisconsin.

Who Should Consider Joining:

ATs interested in mental health support, peer outreach, crisis response, and serving as a resource during challenging or traumatic situations.

Committee Chair Contact:
Mark Cole
[email protected] 

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is responsible for fundraising, sponsorship development, and financial support of WATA initiatives, including the annual meeting. This committee builds and maintains relationships with vendors and sponsors, coordinates sponsorship efforts, and works closely with other committees to ensure financial sustainability and growth of the association.

Who Should Consider Joining:

ATs with interests in budgeting, fundraising, business development, or building relationships with industry partners.

Committee Chair Contact:
VACANT - previous Kyle Gibson
[email protected] 

Governmental Affairs Committee

The Governmental Affairs Committee leads WATA’s advocacy, legislative, and regulatory efforts. This committee monitors legislation, protects and advances the athletic training practice act, and engages members in the legislative process. Through collaboration with lobbyists and state and national partners, the committee works to promote patient safety and favorable regulation for the profession.

Who Should Consider Joining:

ATs interested in advocacy, policy, legislation, and representing the profession to lawmakers and regulatory agencies.

Committee Chair Contact:
Mike Van Veghel
[email protected] 

Leadership Development Committee

The Leadership Development Committee supports the growth and sustainability of WATA leadership. This committee focuses on identifying, mentoring, and preparing future leaders while maintaining succession planning for board and committee roles. Members help develop leadership programming and explore best practices to strengthen the association’s governance and long-term success.

Who Should Consider Joining:

ATs who enjoy mentoring others, leadership growth, and strengthening the future of the association through intentional development.

Committee Chair Contact:
VACANT

Committee on Practice Advancement (COPA)

The Committee on Practice Advancement educates and updates members on third-party reimbursement, employment models, and revenue opportunities for athletic trainers. This committee works to expand reimbursement pathways, improve communication with payers, and support athletic trainers and employers in building sustainable healthcare and business models.

Who Should Consider Joining:

ATs interested in reimbursement, healthcare systems, employment models, or expanding the role of athletic trainers within healthcare.

Committee Chair Contact:
Mark Husen
[email protected] 

Research & Outcomes Committee

The Research & Outcomes Committee supports research within WATA by administering research grants and coordinating free communications at the Annual Symposium. This committee promotes evidence-based practice, facilitates dissemination of research findings, and gathers member input through surveys to inform association initiatives.

Who Should Consider Joining:

ATs interested in research, data collection, outcomes measurement, or advancing evidence-based athletic training practice through supporting and recognizing the work of ATs in Wisconsin.

Committee Chair Contact:
Naoko Giblin
[email protected] 

Secondary School Committee

The Secondary School Committee advocates for and supports athletic trainers working in the secondary school setting. This committee addresses the unique needs of athletic trainers caring for school-aged athletes, promotes public awareness, collaborates with key educational and athletic organizations, and supports initiatives such as National Athletic Training Month and the Safe School Sports Award.

Who Should Consider Joining:

ATs currently working in—or interested in—the secondary school setting who want to address school-specific challenges and advocate for student-athlete safety

Committee Chair Contact:
Roland Schmidt
[email protected]

Special Position and Committee Liaison: WIAA/WATA Liaison

Acts as a liaison between the WATA and WIAA Sports Medical Advisory Committee (SMAC) to provide guidance and support on best medical practice on various medical injuries and conditions. Serves a a member of the SSAT Committee. Appointed by the board of directors.

To apply for consideration for the WIAA position: Please submit a letter of interest and a resume to the WATA President: [email protected]