Ann Cook Tapped to Lead 2025 OOTA Conference Committee
Nathan Grizenko, OTD, OTR/L
The Ohio Occupational Therapy Association (OOTA) Conference is undergoing exciting changes this year, thanks in part to the insights and leadership of Ann Cook, the newly appointed Conference Chair. With extensive experience in conference planning from her years with the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association (POTA), Ann brings a fresh perspective to the organizational process, making this year’s event a promising and well-structured experience for all attendees.
Christie Tuttle, OOTA President, met Ann soon after she had moved to Ohio. Ann expressed a strong interest in getting involved in her new home state’s organization, and Christie didn’t hesitate to find her a new occupation.
“Ann is an outstanding individual,” she said. “She shared her previous involvement with POTA, where she served as a co-chair [of the program committee] for their annual conferences. Given our open position for a conference chair, she was a natural fit.”
In addition to her full-time teaching position at Ohio State and raising her family, Ann is an ultramarathon runner. To Christie, this made her all that more qualified to lead the conference planning efforts.
“Having served as both Conference Chair and Co-Chair multiple times, I understand how demanding the role can be. Anyone capable of running over 100 miles in a race demonstrates remarkable endurance, dedication, and perseverance—qualities that will undoubtedly make Ann an exceptional conference chair,” Christie said.
Ann shared that one of the biggest differences she has noticed since joining OOTA is the level of staff support.
“I’m excited to be part of the conference team at OOTA,” she said. “Having the help of the staff with OOTA has been really beneficial. That wasn’t something we had in Pennsylvania, where conference planning relied primarily on volunteers.”
Ann is also excited about increasing student involvement in the conference.
“Students were heavily involved at POTA as volunteers and presenters. There were many student-geared sessions like networking and interview prep. It sounds like OOTA is now trying to increase student attendance and engagement as well, which is great,” she said.
Ann is also considering fresh ideas to the conference, including raffles, a tradition that was a huge hit in Pennsylvania.
“People love raffles, and I think it’s a fun way to engage attendees,” she said. “In Pennsylvania, we also had a ‘Pass the Pumpkin’ fundraiser for the POTA Political Action Committee (PAC).”
As someone new to Ohio, Ann is looking forward to making connections.
“I hate the word ‘networking,’” she joked, “but collaborating with OTPs across the state is something I’m really looking forward to.”
With her experience, enthusiasm, and dedication, Ann Cook is set to make this year’s OOTA Conference one of the best yet. Whether it’s through improving organization, increasing student engagement, or bringing fresh ideas to the event, her leadership will undoubtedly have a lasting impact. We look forward to an exciting and enriching conference experience in Columbus!
The 2025 OOTA Annual Conference is set for October 17-18, 2025, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin. This year’s theme, “Strength in Unity: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities,” reflects occupational therapy practitioners’ commitment to coming together as a profession to navigate challenges, embrace change, and create new possibilities for occupational therapy. For more information about the conference, including hotel information, click HERE.
Practitioners who are interested in volunteering and serving on the Conference Committee, can reach out to OOTA Staff at catherine@gpsforgrowth.com
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