Position Statement: Active in the Florida Occupational Therapy Association for more than   three decades, I offer members my years of FOTA board and local forum experience, a collaborative governance philosophy, experience as a leader, and unfailing dedication to our profession. My board positions include SW Regional Representative, Regional Representative Coordinator from 2004 to 2009, and Vice President from 2009 to present. My responsibilities as Vice President include professional education for Florida OT practitioners. I have embraced this role, coordinating the past three successful annual conferences that offered excellent educational opportunities for practitioners and students. I endorse continuing, if not increasing, FOTA support of scholarship and academic outreach programs. A valuable recruiting tool, they plant seeds of future FOTA membership among practitioners and students. As we look to the future, we must link our practice to research emerging from our colleges and universities. I seek to strengthen this flow of evidenced-based research into practice. To meet the upcoming regulatory challenges and economic opportunities of managed care, I want FOTA to empower its members with the information, resources and tools they will need to advance their practices clinically and financially. We have great knowledge within our ranks and I support the means to share it. With four decades of OT clinical staff and management experience, including practice in home health, sheltered workshops, teaching hospitals, community hospitals and schools, I understand the day-to-day and global concerns of students, staff therapists and managers in their practice settings. I want to use my knowledge of the inner workings of continuing education and member needs to expand access to CE via live and teleconferences and other media platforms. I developed FOTA's first live on-line educational series, and, in 2012, initiated our first remote broadcast to Tallahassee from our annual conference in Tampa. As information technology evolves, I believe we must use technology to expand CE access, streamline organizational costs and decision-making, and broaden participation in FOTA at all levels, including board and membership. I want to nurture the relationships among FOTA and affinity groups in the Florida health care arena, such as FPTA and FLASHA. I will work to strengthen our bond with Florida Occupational Therapy Educational Consortium (FLOTEC) which develops, implements and supports quality fieldwork education for OT and OTA students. Reviewing FOTA's Strategic Plan would be one of my organizational goals. Adopted in 2009, the plan requires updating to guide leadership in meeting changing member needs. I would be honored to be elected as your President and lead FOTA forward.

Position Statement: I have been a member of the Florida Occupational Therapy Association for almost as long as I have lived in Florida. As the Government Affairs Coordinator (twice) I have seen how our voice as professionals does impact legislators and lawmakers. I also understand how our advocacy can impact the services provided to people across the lifespan who want to engage in meaningful occupations and enjoy a good quality of life. Being a part of the governing body of occupational therapy will allow me to continue to serve Florida's occupational therapists and the people who need our services. I look forward to assisting in leading FOTA to the future, a future that is both challenging and exciting. With federal and state budget constraints and a changing health care system, it is imperative that FOTA be in the forefront of ensuring that occupational therapy is always considered a primary care provider for people of all ages and needs. In order to do so, my goal is to increase the membership of FOTA and provide therapists with the tools and knowledge they need to be a voice for themselves and their clients. I look forward to being the Vice President of FOTA and serving the members who can and do make a difference.

Position Statement: I have enjoyed my term and look forward to continuing as your treasurer, as the potential for this organization is growing . The increasing membership and participation at conference has afforded FOTA the ability to make some strategic management steps to which I feel my experience will be valuable. As FOTA moves towards hiring an administrative assistant my background with contract negotiations and understanding of our finances will be crucial. I have strong relationships with the other board members and feel that I can continue to provide FOTA with the outstanding skills. I would be privileged to serve a second term.

Eligibility

Officers and Eligibility

• The officers of this Association shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
• The President and Vice President shall be chosen from the roster of occupational therapists, who have been in good standing with the AOTA andFOTAfor a year prior to nomination.  The Secretary and Treasurer shall be either OTs or OTAs in good standing with AOTA andFOTAfor a year prior to nomination.

Terms of Office

Elections and Terms of Office

1. Nominees shall be voted into office by electronic or nonelectronic ballots of voting members and seated on July 1.
2. The President, Vice President and Secretary shall serve for terms of two years and shall not hold the office for more than two consecutive terms.
3. The Treasurer shall serve for a term of three years and shall not hold the office for more than two consecutive terms.
4. No individual may hold more than one simultaneous voting position on the Board

Elected Officer's Duties and Responsibilies

President

• President/President Elect description

•   Be responsible for guiding and conducting the activities of the Association.
•   Preside at all meetings of the Association and Board. 
•   Prepare the Association’s annual report.
• 4. Until elections can be conducted, have the power to appoint acting officers, with the approval of the Board, should vacancies occur.
• Have the power to sign checks and all written obligations of the Association.
• Appoint Members-at-Large and committee coordinators, with the approval of the Board, and provide them with outlines of their duties.  Only the chairperson of theNominatingCommittee is an exception to the presidential appointment.
• Serve as ex-officio member of all committees except theNominatingCommittee.
• When feasible, attend the annual conference of the AOTA and the meeting of the Affiliated State Association Presidents.
• Send out proper notices of all Board meetings.
• Conduct the correspondence of theFOTAexcept as otherwise provided.
•  Is responsible to see thatFloridais represented at the AOTARepresentative  
•  Assembly should vacancies occur.

Vice-President-Elect

•  Vice President description
• Officers-elect shall:
• Prepare for their elected duties.
• Assume office in the absence of the officer.
• Perform duties as assigned.
• Discharge the duties of the President in case of absence or during a vacancy in the office of President.
• Be chairperson of the Educational committee
• Provide oversight for the work of the Conference Convener.
• Discharge other duties as designated by the President.

 Treasurer

• Treasurer description
• Be custodian of the funds for this Association.
• Be empowered to sign checks and other financial obligations of the Association.
• Oversee the payment of all the Association’s bills and obligations as directed by the Board of this Association.
• Submit a financial statement at regular meetings of the Board and this Association.
• Submit the Association’s accounts to the Board for auditing and present the report at the Annual Business Meeting and/or prior to the termination of the office.
• Prepare the annual budget for the Association.
• Discharge other duties as designated by the President or Board.

 FOTA By-laws document  FOTA By Laws

 

 

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