APTA New Jersey Leaders Attend APTA CommUNITY Week 2025

Leaders from the American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey (APTANJ) traveled to APTA headquarters in Alexandria, VA to participate in APTA CommUNITY Week 2025, joining components from across the country for several days of collaboration, learning, and strategic engagement. This annual event showcases APTA’s commitment to strengthening the profession through shared leadership, innovation, and meaningful connection between state components and national leadership.

A central highlight of the week was the New President and Executive Director Orientation, a cornerstone program designed to equip component leaders with the tools, insights, and relationships needed to guide their chapters effectively. Representing APTANJ at this year’s orientation were Owen Legaspi, PT, DPT, current APTANJ President, and John McInerney, Executive Director of APTANJ.

Strengthening Leadership Through Connection

Throughout the orientation, APTANJ leadership engaged in sessions focused on governance best practices, advocacy priorities, membership engagement strategies, and the evolving national landscape of physical therapy. The program created opportunities for leaders to exchange ideas, deepen their understanding of APTA’s strategic initiatives, and strengthen partnerships between state chapters and national leadership.

President Owen Legaspi contributed perspectives on advancing APTANJ’s forward-looking vision, while Executive Director John McInerney collaborated with national staff and fellow directors on operational excellence and component support systems.

Also attending was Nancy R. Kirsch, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, APTANJ Board Member and immediate past President of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Dr. Kirsch brought her decades of leadership experience to the event, offering valuable insights on regulation, ethics, and professional standards.

Collaboration and Momentum

Beyond the orientation, APTA CommUNITY Week offered opportunities for component leaders to connect with APTA staff, participate in cross-component discussions, and celebrate shared accomplishments across the profession. The event reaffirmed the importance of unity and collective leadership in advancing patient care and supporting physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide.

APTANJ’s participation reflects the chapter’s ongoing commitment to strong governance, proactive leadership development, and alignment with national priorities. The insights and relationships formed during CommUNITY Week will help guide APTANJ’s initiatives in 2025 and beyond—ensuring the chapter remains a vibrant and influential voice within the profession.

As APTA continues to foster collaboration across its components, APTANJ leaders return to New Jersey energized and equipped to serve their members and the broader physical therapy community with renewed purpose. APTANJ extends sincere thanks to APTA for organizing and supporting this important event, and congratulates national leadership for continuing to strengthen the association through innovative gatherings that build unity, align strategies, and shape a shared vision for the future.