Northern Michigan University alumnus James Winkler Jr. of Allendale was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Athletic Trainer Board. He holds a bachelor's degree in health and fitness management (1998) and a master's in exercise science (2000) from NMU. Winkler is a senior staff athletic trainer at Grand Valley State University.
The Michigan Board of Athletic Trainers works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to oversee the practice of approximately 1,028 athletic trainers. The practice of athletic training, as defined in the Public Health Code, means the treatment of an individual for risk management and injury prevention, the clinical evaluation and assessment of an individual for an injury or illness, the immediate care and treatment of an individual for an injury or illness, and the rehabilitation and reconditioning of an individual's injury or illness.
Winkler's term expires June 30, 2025. Board appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.