Thank You

By Tom DiAngelis, PT, DPT

Number 66. With Impact being published 11 times per year, it is hard to believe that this is my 66th and final column! I have to admit, serving as your president over the past six years has gone quickly—with the exception of writing my own column.

In the past weeks, I have been asked what was I planning for my next volunteer role? I have to be honest and admit I am not planning anything other than taking some time and focusing on my practice. My future as a volunteer for the profession remains to be seen, and if there is one thing I have learned it is to never say never.

I believe that the question should not be what is next for me, but rather what is next for the section? I have my opinion on a couple of things to which the next board and membership should give serious thought. The first action is to buy our own office space. The time has come for PPS to look at purchasing either an office building or condo. APTA did this decades ago, and it was a sound decision. Several years back, I was on the task force for the Ohio Chapter, and we recommended the chapter purchase its own property. The purchase has worked out well for chapter members. PPS is in a strong financial position, and I believe the time is now to make this move.

The second issue to consider is whether to provide a small stipend for PPS board members. Many of you do not know this fact, but at the APTA level, we provide a stipend for our APTA board members. As the section has grown and continued to expand services for members, so have the demands on your volunteer board. The average number of days away from their businesses and families for each board member is 15. Add to those days, board and committee conference calls, as well as the preparation time for all those meetings and calls, and that number is even higher. It is not the intent for a stipend to balance the expense of serving; it never could, but it would certainly help. I hope that the membership gives this serious consideration and future by-law changes to put this in place.

Finally, I would like to leave you with a simple thank you. I am humbled and appreciative that you have allowed me to represent you for the past six years. It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your president.