NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED AUGUST 2–SEPTEMBER 6
Scroll to bottom for nomination link.
A message from TSPRA President-Elect Arianna Vazquez-Hernandez, APR, CPC, chair of the Nominating Committee:
Dear TSPRAns,
With the new school year upon us, I can’t help but remember my early years in School PR. I was a fresh-faced journalist in my early 20s, transitioning careers mid-year. I covered the end-of-year accolades, championships and graduations, not truly knowing what was in store for me during back to school season.
I missed the TSPRA conference, but was blessed to attend NSPRA, where I met the most positive and charming group of Texans who quickly took me under their wing. During my first TSPRA conference, those same amazing women I had met singing the Blues were none other than TSPRA royalty- Candace Ahlfinger, President 2005-06, Christy Willman, President 2007-08 and Shirley Brothers, who has an elementary school named after her in Alvin ISD!
I was mesmerized when I attended the membership meeting. Being in a room full of passionate leaders who cared for public education and our profession made me realize this was my community, my people, my family.
With that feeling in mind, I invite you – yes…YOU…the person reading this welcome piece to get involved in our organization as we officially kick-off this year’s call for nominations!
Let this be your sign to give back and pay it forward. Become a mentor to our new generation of TSPRAns and submit your name or tap someone you know is ready to take the leap, and walk them through the finish line. You too can be a Candace, a Christy or a Shirley to someone, all it takes is to say…Yes!
Here are two important deadlines:
Wednesday, September 6, 2023: Completed online nomination forms must be received by the TSPRA state office no later than 4:00 p.m. You will receive an email confirming the submission. Only TSPRA professional members in good standing, including those who hold institutional membership, may submit a nomination.
Friday, September 15, 2023: To be eligible, a person must be a professional member in good standing with dues paid by September 15, 2023.
Nominees must meet all the membership requirements as defined by the bylaws, agree to attend three Executive Committee meetings yearly, and have the support of their district or organization. To view the complete requirements, go to https://tspra.org/about/elections/requirements-for-nominees/
Please note, TSPRA’s Standing Rules state that each area shall have no more than two vice presidents. Since the At-Large Vice President Position 1 is currently held by a member from the Central region, no one from that area would be eligible to serve in the At-Large Vice President Position 2 or At-Large Vice President Position 3.
Also, according to the 2023-2024 Strategic Initiatives, the Nominating Committee is charged to slate the At-Large Vice President Position 2 and At-Large Vice President Position 3 with expertise in at least one of the areas listed below. Be sure to check these off as many of these that apply on the nomination form.
- Career Advancement/Transition (Professional Development)
- Leadership Development
- Small/Medium Departments
- Branding
- Marketing
- Multi-lingual/Multi-culturalNominations are needed for:
- President-Elect
- At-Large Vice President Position 2 (represents all areas)
- At-Large Vice President Position 3 (represents all areas)
- Area Vice Presidents
- Gulf Coast (ESC Regions 1, 2 and 3)
- Houston/Beaumont (ESC Regions 4 & 5)
- North Central (ESC Regions 9, 10 & 11)
- Far West (ESC Regions 18 & 19)
- San Antonio (ESC Region 20)
To make a nomination you will need basic information on the nominee (name, title, district or organization, email and phone number).
The following questions on the online nomination form will need to be completed:
1. Does the nominee have the support of his/her district, organization, supervisor?
2. Does the nominee understand that he/she is responsible for expenses related to the position, travel and conference?
3. Do they have the qualifications to serve per the bylaws?
4. How many years has the nominee been a TSPRA member?
5. In what ways has the nominee served TSPRA? (Committee work, other offices, presenter, etc.)
6. What honors has the nominee received?
7. Why is the nominee seeking office?
8. What skills and expertise does the nominee have?
9. A list of names, cell phone numbers and emails of members in the region who support the nomination.
The following items will need to be uploaded:
1. A biography/resume of the nominee
2. One PDF file compiling all letters of support
3. A photo of the nominee
If you have any questions about the nomination process, feel free to contact the state office. The qualifications and duties for each position are posted on the website and can be found at https://tspra.org/about/nominations/
TSPRA is one of the most well-respected organizations in the country that has served school communicators for over 60 years. Please consider participating in the nomination process and join me in service to TSPRA and its 1100+ members!
Sincerely,
Arianna Vazquez-Hernandez, APR, CPC
TSPRA President-Elect