President-Elect
Heath Blackmon
Heath was born and raised in Hayden, AL where he developed a passion for Athletic Training at a young age after sustaining an injury. Heath earned his Bachelors in Athletic Training from University of West Alabama, where he served as President of the Sports Medicine Club. Currently, Heath resides in Pell City, AL with his wife of 4 years, Candy and his two wonderful daughters, Chloe and Hannah. Heath has worked as an Occupational Athletic Trainer for 5 years, currently with TherapySouth At Work.
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Over the past 4 years, Heath has dedicated himself to serving ALATA in many capacities and has had the privilege of leading initiatives which have not only advanced our mission but have also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among our members.While serving as Treasurer, Heath was able to help secure a record number of 37 sponsors for ALATA this past year, and hopes to increase our partnerships in the future. As head chair for grants, scholarships and awards, Heath helped to recognize over 20 athletic trainers with various awards, awarded over $30,000 to future athletic trainers in scholarships, and also created the ALATA LifeSaver Award. As part of the Salary Survey Task Force, Heath assisted in collecting and deciphering data to provide a resource for ATs to advocate for themselves in salary negotiations. As part of the Constitution and By-Laws Task Force, Heath pushed to update the organization's standards and practices to match the vision of ALATA.
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Heath’s primary goal as President will be to promote the value of athletic training and to advocate for policy changes that benefit athletic trainers and their patients. Heath also plans to bring enhanced educational opportunities through in-person workshops, live CEU sessions, and annual certification programs to ensure ALATA members stay current with best practices and continue to grow their skill set. Finally, Heath hopes to attract new members and engage current members by fostering a sense of community and collaboration within ALATA.
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Thank you for considering my nomination. I am excited about the opportunity to serve and collaborate with each of you as we work towards a brighter future for ALATA.
Kirby Kelley
Kirby Kelley is the Medical Education Manager for Prime Surgical, a distributor of Arthrex. She completed her bachelor’s at Georgia College in Athletic Training followed by her Master’s in Health Studies at the University of Alabama. Kirby worked 9 years in the physician practice setting alongside orthopedic surgeons both in clinic and in the operating room. She has her Orthopedic Technologist Certification (OTC) and started the ASMI R.T. Floyd Athletic Training Residency Program. During her tenure, she worked with orthopedists specializing in sports medicine, joint replacement, hip preservation and ortho spine. Kirby managed students while maintaining a high volume clinic schedule and assisted in the operating room.
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Kirby currently serves as ALATA Vice President, as the Chair of the Physicians Practice Committee, and is a member of the Government Affairs Committee. She has obtained several accolades including the 2021 Clinical, Industrial, & Military Athletic Trainer of the Year and the 2022 Georgia College Young Alumna of the Year.
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Kirby has a passion for teaching and mentorship. She regularly guest lectures at her alma maters and has spoken at state and district meetings. Kirby has been a preceptor for Athletic Training students and Physician Assistant students, has trained medical students, and now educates orthopedic sales representatives and orthopedic surgeons as Medical Education Manager.
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It would be an honor and a privilege to be elected President Elect for the Alabama Athletic Trainers’ Association.