30+ Years Advocating with ATSNJ
For more than 30 years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey (ATSNJ) to help athletic trainers get the recognition, resources and protections they deserve. From tracking legislation to building strong relationships with lawmakers, it’s been a team effort every step of the way.
Fun fact: Eric Orlando has led efforts for ATSNJ for so many years, that we consider him a ‘member’ of ATSNJ. He’s served longer than many of the newest members have been alive!
About ATSNJ
The Athletic Trainer’s Society of New Jersey is a professional association that advocates for athletic trainers, who are nationally certified and state-licensed healthcare professionals who provide initial care and follow-up treatment for physically active populations in a variety of settings.
As a volunteer-led group, ATSNJ depends on its members to lead, speak up and help shape the future of the profession. It’s been an honor to partner with ATSNJ and watch their growth over the years. What began as a volunteer-led effort has become a respected voice in statewide policy. Today, they’re not just part of the conversation, they are trusted resource and have been included on boards and commissions.
To learn more about ATSNJ, visit: https://atsnj.org/
Meet Dr. Ken Cieslak
Dr. Ken Cieslak is a longtime client of The Zita Group and a champion for the athletic training profession in New Jersey. As former ATSNJ president, Dr. Cieslak has spent over 25 years working as both a Chiropractic Physician and Certified Athletic Trainer, including a long tenure with the Teaneck School District before retiring in 2022.
Today, Dr. Cieslak works with Atlantic Health System and teaches in Seton Hall’s athletic training graduate program. From his start as the first athletic trainer at his alma mater, Palisades Park High School, to his continued work in education and advocacy, Dr. Cieslak’s passion for the field has never wavered.
Some of TZG and ATSNJ’s Milestones
“For our Society, our partnership with The Zita Group, and Eric Orlando in particular, has allowed us to advocate for our members in Trenton, and to be aware of legislative efforts that may impact our membership both directly and indirectly. They are our ‘eyes and ears, and voice’ in Trenton,” explains Dr. Cieslak.
Thank you to ATSNJ and Dr. Cieslak for your trust and unwavering commitment to this work. It’s been a privilege to support your efforts and we look forward to continuing protect athletic trainers and communities across New Jersey.
Here are just a few of the achievements over the years:
- Secured state licensure for athletic trainers in New Jersey.
- In January 2020, Governor Murphy signed S2443 and S2494, implementing the state’s first comprehensive student-athlete safety laws related to concussion protocols and emergency preparedness
- P.L.2010, c.94 established mandatory concussion education, removal-from-play procedures, and continuing education requirements for athletic trainers
- P.L.2021, c.222 updated the law to require schools to follow the CDC’s six-step Return to Play Progression for student-athletes and cheerleaders recovering from head injuries
- Athletic Trainer Recognition Week in March has been celebrated annually since 2016.
- On June 30, 2025, Bill S317/A1446 passed both the Senate and Assembly and now awaits the Governor’s signature to officially update NJ’s Athletic Trainer Licensure Act.
About The Zita Group
The Zita Group is a woman-owned government and public affairs firm, both founded and led by Patrizia “Trish” Zita. Our bipartisan, experienced team of strategic consultants is widely respected by elected, appointed and government officials of both parties across New Jersey’s political landscape. We provide our clients unique insights into the decision-making process at the highest levels. We bring to bear credible working relationships with executive branch officials, legislators, and staff. Our team’s effectiveness has been demonstrated again and again by the results we achieve for our clients.
