The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research (FPTR) has named former APTA President Paul Rockar Jr., PT, DPT, MS, as its president. Rockar, who served as a foundation trustee for three years prior, assumed his new role on January 1, 2020.

Rockar is a well-known figure in the physical therapy profession, having served as a member of the APTA Board of Directors, as its vice president, and finally, as president of the organization from 2012 to 2015. Rockar is the former CEO of the Centers for Rehab Services.

APTA and the foundation have a more than 40-year relationship focused on promoting physical therapy research. As a designated Pinnacle Partner of the foundation, APTA invested over $500,000 to support foundation initiatives including scholarships and fellowships in 2019.

In his role as president, Rockar will work alongside his fellow Board of Trustees members to continue the foundation’s 2019-2022 strategic plan.

“I am honored to have been chosen by my fellow trustees to lead FPTR at a time when research is so important to the profession,” said Rockar. “I look forward to collaborating with our partners and like-minded supporters — including APTA — to support research that leads to the best clinical guidelines and excellent patient care.”

Rockar succeeds Edelle Field-Fote, PT, PhD, FAPTA, who concluded her term at the end of 2019.