NATA Presidential Candidates
We are pleased to introduce the individuals who submitted materials through NATA’s call for candidacy and have been verified as meeting the qualifications to serve as NATA president. These candidates will present to the NATA Presidential Nominating Committee (PNC) during leadership's Joint Committee Meeting in January 2026. After hearing all presentations, the PNC will convene and select the two candidates who will advance in the election process. We appreciate their commitment to the association and their willingness to step forward in service to the profession.
Katie Walsh Flanagan, EdD, LAT, ATC
Katie Walsh Flanagan, EdD, LAT, ATC, is a distinguished leader in athletic training with more than 40 years of experience, including 30 years as director of sports medicine at East Carolina University. She is internationally recognized for her expertise in athletic emergencies and environmental safety policies, and has authored multiple textbooks and research publications. Flanagan has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as vice president of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education and District Three director on the NATA Board of Directors, earning accolades such as the NATA Hall of Fame and Kory Stringer Institute Lifesaver Award. Her dedication to education, mentorship and advancing athletic training has left a lasting impact on the profession.
David Gallegos, MA, ATC, Cert. MDT
David Gallegos, MA, ATC, Cert. MDT, is the deputy CEO of Southwest Sport & Spine Center, Inc., a population health focused private practice serving southern New Mexico and West Texas. He has served the athletic training profession at the local, state, district and national levels, including as NATA vice president (2022–23) and District Seven director (2018–23). Gallegos is the founder of Just Change, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing advocacy in health care, education and social transformation, and the cofounder of Innovate AT, a value-based model for athletic trainers. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from New Mexico State University and holds advanced credentials from Cornell University, the University of Notre Dame and Thomas Jefferson University.
Rob Marshall, ATC, LAT
Rob Marshall, ATC, LAT, is a dedicated leader in athletic training with more than 30 years of experience in Columbus, Nebraska. He manages the athletic training program at Columbus Community Hospital, overseeing services for 10 high schools and a college, and directs the Columbus Fieldhouse, a 300,000-square-foot facility. Marshall has held numerous leadership roles, including NATA vice president (2023-25) and president of the Nebraska State Athletic Trainers' Association (2006-10). He has earned multiple awards, including induction into the NATA District Five Hall of Fame in 2020. His commitment to community service and professional development reflects his passion for advancing athletic training and supporting youth sports.
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