Academy of Leadership and Innovation

Nominating Committee Member

DEIRDRE DALEY, PT, DPT

BIOGRAPHY

While a large portion of Deirdre's early professional career was spent in outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinics, work rehabilitation and private practice settings, subsequent exposure to service delivery in onsite/workplace and military practice settings helped her see how the profession of physical therapy could positively impact people beyond traditional reactive healthcare models. Exploring embedded practice that focused on preventing injury through early intervention was not common at the time, but seeing the practical benefits and human response to emerging practice models helped Dee commit to participate in innovative care models that meet people where they are. Pursuing additional formal and informal education, ongoing employer interactions, serving at varying levels of APTA, and working with national/international therapists resulted in ongoing exploration of practice patterns that could break down health access barriers and promote interprofessional collaboration for the mutual benefit business, health providers and individual worker health. Being part of a practice area that moved from being considered niche to mainstream highlighted that community needs and ongoing change in the health service delivery landscape will continue to place demands on APTA and our profession to evolve. At a community level, Dee currently serves as a member of the NH State Health Assessment and State Health Improvement Plan Advisory Council. 
 

STATEMENT

Healthcare and service delivery are evolving at a rapid pace. ALI has demonstrated the ability to prepare members for change, while also exploring the multidimensional health needs of diverse communities and encouraging members to explore innovation. Ensuring that ALI has a rich slate of candidates from a variety of backgrounds and skill sets is a key element for continued growth and impact of the Academy, and I am dedicated to contributing to the team that helps build a robust slate for elections. My leadership history and involvement across multiple dimensions of APTA have allowed me to meet and serve with many current and future ALI members, and I have prior experience as part of a state nominating committee. I am someone who finds space for conversations to get to know the unique perspectives and skills sets that members bring to leadership roles. Helping members develop their strengths and readiness to serve as they reflect on potential leadership development pathways is something I have quietly done for several decades after learning cultivation skills from veterans who tapped me on the shoulder and modeled ongoing support.