Page 10 - OPTA Access Spring 2021

MEET THE CANDIDATES
Voting begins April 24, 2021 and closes May 24, 2021.
View Candidate profiles and voting information online
at OhioPT.org > Elections.
Members will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the proposed Bylaws changes during our virtual annual membership meeting on April 23, 2021.
Candidates for Vice President (1 to be elected)
WATCH KENNETH'S VIDEO STATEMENT
KENNETH KIRBY, PT, DPT
It is my honor to be considered as a candidate for Vice President of the Ohio Physical Therapy Association. In my 10 years as a member of our great chapter, I have been fortunate to be able to serve the Central District in the roles of PT PAC and Legislative Action Coordinator and represent Ohio as both an alternate and full delegate to APTA’s House of Delegates. My time in service has been highly valuable and has allowed me to gain a greater understanding of the state chapter and the advocacy necessary to move our profession forward. It has validated my deeply held belief in our association and the value it provides to those we serve.
This is a transformative time for our profession, and I am excited about the opportunities we will face. Through the advocacy of our leaders and members, we saw success in the passage of Ohio SB 272 and Congress’ intervention to lessen the proposed CMS payment cut. We have built momentum that needs to continue to help combat the ever-changing healthcare landscape. It would truly be an honor to be a part of a leadership team that is dedicated to that responsibility.
If elected as Vice President, I will strive to collaborate with our board, chapters, committees, SIGs, and members to further the goals and initiatives of the OPTA for 2021 and beyond. I will work diligently to represent our chapter with honor and determination. I would be privileged to serve our membership in this leadership role. Thank you for your consideration.
DAVID WESSELS, PT, DPT
Hello, my name is David Wessells, and I am honored to be nominated as a candidate for OPTA Vice President. Our profession is in the midst of unprecedented uncertainty. Threats to reimbursement and the altered landscape of the pandemic have put many therapy practices under stress. This comes on top of ongoing concerns about the costs of PT education and the increasing administrative burden for clinicians. However, I have never been more optimistic about our professions’ ability to tackle these challenges.
I have been a PT for 20 years and have served in leadership positions advocating for our membership at the state and national level. Most recently, I served as the Federal Affairs Liaison for Ohio, educating federal and state legislators about our profession and advocating for legislation to support our members. I have managed departments in pediatric and adult facilities, and I have delivered patient care in outpatient, inpatient, and home health settings. I recognize the OPTA needs to be represented by therapists who understand the unique challenges of each setting. I have also worked closely with PTAs across the spectrum and will be an advocate for these clinicians.
While this time is unique, I have been a therapist long enough to see how our profession has met similar challenges before with ingenuity and resilience. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will bring leadership experience, creative ideas, a strong work ethic, and knowledge of the legislative process. I will be a tireless advocate for all OPTA members.
WATCH DAVID'S VIDEO STATEMENT
10 | March 2021 | OPTA