DAWN MAGNUSSON, PT, PhD

BIOGRAPHY

Dawn Magnusson, PT, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Director of Student Affairs, and Director of Global Health Programs at the University of Colorado. With over 25 years of clinical, research, and teaching experience, she is an internationally recognized leader in population health and health equity research.  Dawn has held numerous leadership roles within the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), including Secretary and Director of Scholarship for the Academy of Leadership and Innovation (ALI), and Co-Chair of APTA's Population Health Workgroup. 

More recently, she has led and participated in national efforts to promote social responsibility within PT education, research, and practice through the integration of concepts like population health and social reconstructionism. She also serves as an Associate Editor for PTJ - the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal of APTA and as a founding member of World Physiotherapy's Public Health Special Interest Group (coming soon!)

Dawn has a long history of working alongside patients, families, and community members to understand health-related disparities, promote community-led solutions, and advance health equity. In Denver, she serves as a member of DAWN Health's Board of Directors (a student-led pro bono clinic, Dedicated to Aurora's Wellness Needs) and as a member of the Developmental Screening and Referral Policy Council within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Central to all of these efforts is a steadfast commitment to advocacy and social responsibility.

STATEMENT

I am honored to be nominated for the Director of Advocacy position within the Academy of Leadership and Innovation. Throughout my career, I have been committed to working alongside patients, families, and community members to improve health, reduce health disparities, and advance health equity. This work has carried over into educational and professional spaces, where I work as hard to promote our profession’s responsibility in meeting societal needs. 

My journey is rooted in advocacy - from my early work as a pediatric therapist seeking to elevate family narratives and support global health initiatives to my current role as Director of Student Affairs and Director of Global Health Programs at the University of Colorado. I also have the honor of serving as an associate editor for PTJ - The Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal and as a founding member of World Physiotherapy's Public Health Special Interest Group (SIG). Across these diverse roles, I have worked to elevate historically marginalized voices in the co-creation of community-led solutions.

As the Director of Advocacy, I will bring my passion for social justice, collaborative leadership style, and strategic mindset to the board. My scholarship and experience reflect a deep understanding of the social, economic, and political drivers of health and the opportunities we have to affect change – something that is critically needed right now. If elected, I will work alongside members and key partners to help shape evidence-informed initiatives that are responsive to member and societal needs. Thank you for your consideration!

SEAN BAGBEY, PTA, ATC, MHA

BIOGRAPHY

I am honored to be considered for this nomination, as my career has been dedicated to advancing healthcare, empowering others, and creating lasting impact through service and leadership. With over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist assistant, athletic trainer, and healthcare executive, I have consistently worked to bridge clinical excellence with operational innovation. Currently, I serve as Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at the Rehabilitation & Performance Institute, where I lead multi-site strategy, champion patient-centered outcomes, and develop systems that expand access and elevate care quality.

My educational foundation includes a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Southern Indiana and undergraduate degrees in Exercise Science, Athletic Training, and Physical Therapist Assisting from the University of Evansville. These degrees not only shaped my clinical understanding but also instilled a systems-level perspective that I’ve carried into leadership roles across multiple organizations.

I’ve had the privilege of teaching at institutions like St. Catherine University and the University of Evansville, helping shape the next generation of clinicians. My work with the American Physical Therapy Association, including serving on national committees and leading the PTA Caucus, reflects my commitment to advocacy and policy advancement. I’ve also been fortunate to receive recognition from my peers, including the National PTA of the Year award and the HPA LAMPLighter Leadership Award.

At every stage of my career, I’ve sought to serve a higher purpose—supporting teams, driving change, and leaving a legacy of integrity, compassion, and excellence in the communities I serve.

STATEMENT

I am seeking the role of Director of Advocacy for the Academy of Leadership and Innovation because I am passionate about advancing the profession of physical therapy through intentional leadership, evidence-based innovation, and inclusive professional development. My career as a Physical Therapist Assistant, Athletic Trainer, and healthcare executive has been focused on creating systems that empower clinicians, elevate care, and strengthen the voice of rehabilitation professionals across the country.

The Academy’s mission to cultivate leadership within physical therapy aligns directly with my experience and vision. I have had the privilege of serving in national roles through APTA, including as a PTA Caucus Delegate and member of payment and communication committees. These roles have allowed me to advocate for equitable representation, sustainable reimbursement, and the development of leadership pathways for both PTs and PTAs. In my current role as Vice President and COO of a multi-clinic organization, I’ve worked to build collaborative teams, mentor clinicians into leadership roles, and implement systems that drive both clinical and operational excellence.

If elected, I will focus on expanding leadership education for clinicians at every career stage, increasing accessibility to professional growth opportunities, and promoting innovation that improves patient outcomes and therapist satisfaction. I believe our profession stands at a pivotal point where leadership must be redefined—not by title, but by impact. I am committed to serving our members with transparency, purpose, and a steadfast belief that together, we can shape the future of physical therapy through bold and compassionate leadership.