Networking Breakfast

Welcome and Opening Remarks: Roger Herr, PT, MPA, President, APTA

Roger Herr, PT, MPA, is president of the American Physical Therapy Association and vice president of the Visiting Nurse Society in New York. An APTA member since 1985, his association service includes terms on the APTA Board of Directors, serving as chief delegate for New York, and serving on APTA's Public Policy and Advocacy Committee. The Washington chapter recognized him as Physical Therapist of the Year (2006), and he received APTA's Lucy Blair Service Award (2021) and the Marilyn Moffat Distinguished Service Award (2021).

Opening Keynote: Scott Willis, President, Australian Physiotherapy Association

Scott Willis, BAppSc (Physio), is the national president of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). He is the co-director of a multidisciplinary clinic on the Northwest Coast of Tasmania. He received his Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) degree from the University of Sydney and has experience within the public, primary health, private practice, rural, Indigenous, aged care, and occupational health sectors. As national president, Willis is continuing the momentum of member, political, policy, and advocacy engagement that has formed a significant part of the APA’s strategy as he continues driving the APA’s agenda forward.

Keynote: Richard Shields, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Department Executive Officer, Rehabilitation Sciences and Physical Therapy - University of Iowa

Richard K. Shields, PT, PhD, FAPTA, is professor, chair, and department executive officer in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, at the University of Iowa. He advances two areas of research: how various doses of exercise impact the human genome and regulate the health and well-being of people with and without disabilities, and on improving the delivery of value-based education for physical therapists. He developed the Physical Therapist Graduation Questionnaire, or PT-GQ, and the PT-GQ National Benchmarks to improve the quality of physical therapist education nationwide. The National Institutes of Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and several private foundations, including the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, has funded his research. He has published more than 150 scientific papers and delivered over 300 scientific presentations. He has received several recognitions, including the 48th Mary McMillan Lecture Award and the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence.

Breakout Sessions

Lunch and Report Out from Breakouts, Moderator: Tara Jo Manal, VP, Scientific Affairs, APTA 

Keynote: Lisa Gables, CEO, American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)

Lisa M. Gables, CPA, is an association executive with extensive experience in health care and aging services. In 2020, she was named chief executive officer of the American Academy of Physician Associates after serving as interim CEO. In addition to her career in aging and health services, Gables serves on the board and as chair of the American Society on Aging. She also serves on the board of the Primary Care Collaborative. She is a certified public accountant with degrees in business administration and accounting from the University of Louisville. She is the past treasurer of the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Foundation and currently serves as a volunteer with the Fairfax County Adult Protective Services Agency.

Workforce Panel Discussion

Mike Horsfield, PT, MBA, is president and CEO of Rock Valley Physical Therapy, a therapist-owned and therapist-led organization with over 60 locations in Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska. He is an adjunct faculty member at St. Ambrose University and the University of Iowa. He is president of APTA Private Practice, where he is co-founder of the section’s Peer2Peer Networks and started the section’s KPI Benchmarking Program. He is also a founding member of the Midwest Therapy Network. He received a master’s degree in physical therapy and an MBA from the University of Iowa. He has served on many APTA committees.

Lisa Gables, CEO, AAPA

Richard Shields, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Department Executive Officer, Rehabilitation Sciences and Physical Therapy - University of Iowa

Steven Cassabaum, PT, DPT, is president and co-founder of 21st Century Rehab. He is certified in Work Well Injury Management programs, dry needling, and specializes in head, neck, and TMJ treatment. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, APTA Private Practice, and is the current legislative chair and past president of the Iowa Physical Therapy Association. He also serves as a member of the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy.

Close Out and Action Steps: Roger Herr, PT, MPA, President, APTA

Adjorn and Reception