Welcome to APTA Iowa

Dear Iowa Chapter Leadership, I am writing to share a brief update regarding the 2025 Marquette Challenge. My name is Justin Hartsell , and I recently joined the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research in my new role as the Annual Giving Specialist, Development, serving as the Foundation Staff lead for the Marquette Challenge. As a physical therapist assistant from Tennessee with prior experience at APTA, I’m excited to support this work and continue to strengthen the relationship between students, educators and the Foundation. Attached is a brief letter recognizing the incredible efforts of PT and PTA students in Iowa who participated in the 2025 VCU–Marquette Challenge. While the letter highlights key outcomes and milestones, I also want to personally thank you for the role your chapter plays in supporting, promoting and championing this student-led effort each year. Your partnership and active engagement help spark momentum to reinforce the importance of research within our profession, and with the 2026 Delaware–Marquette Challenge well under way, we look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting your chapter’s outreach to programs and student leaders. Thank you for all that you do to advance physical therapy research. Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can be a resource. Warm regards, Justin Hartsell

Happy National Volunteer Month! Please join me in recognizing and celebrating your colleagues who serve our profession at the district, state, and national levels! I am impressed by the depth and breadth of their knowledge and experience. Their collective efforts result in collaborative relationships with insurers, payers, legislators, and the licensure board. Consider volunteering with us especially at the district level in a leadership position, become a member of the communications or membership committees, or serve as the PTA Council representative. Reach out to mail@iowaapta.org to learn more. Congratulations to these association award winners: Olive C. Farr Distinguished Service Award: Kory Zimney, PT, DPT, PhD Max Shelton Friend of APTA Iowa Award: Venus Vendoures Walsh, MPA, CPM Advocacy: The Advocacy Reception on April 15 was a success! Approximately 30 state legislators attended. Members spent their time building relationships and communicating Chapter legislative priorities. As the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session comes to a close, I want to extend an important thank you to Doug Struyk and his team at Carney Appleby Law for guiding us through another session. They monitor bills that impact physical therapy practice and provide strategy when indicated. APTA is hosting the Payment Advocacy Summit July 10-11 in Portland, Oregon. APTA is funding 2 Chapter members to attend. APTA is also offering free registration to 4 members. Contact mail@iowaapta.org if interested. Registrations will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Thank you for your continued partnership, Sue Bravard, PT, MS