Board Sets 2016-17 Strategic Initiatives and Appoints Executive Commitee

June 21, 2016

By JJ Colburn, CAE
2016-17 TSAE Board Chairman
Executive Director, Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented


It is an incredible honor and privilege for me to serve our industry and TSAE as the 2016-2017 TSAE Board Chair. I look forward to working with you and the dynamic board and staff team to build on the strong foundation of our past and embrace the exciting opportunities before us during this time of transition.

Last weekend, the 2016-2017 TSAE Board of Directors met to kick off the governance year and determine strategic direction for the association. Traditionally, board service has been aligned with the New Ideas Conference in September. Beginning this year and moving forward, board service will begin annually in June.

At the center of all Board discussion is always the TSAE mission - to provide association professionals a community for collaboration, learning and leadership growth. TSAE members have a hand in creating and delivering experiences for and with each other and it’s the deep relationships we develop as we work together that make TSAE such a special organization.

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to share highlights from our meeting. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly with your ideas, questions or concerns.

2016-2017 Strategic Initiatives

The board approved four Strategic Initiatives to continue moving the association forward.

  • Increase and diversify revenue in order to support the TSAE mission
    Explore efficacy of elements of Consulting Services; Explore sponsorship model.
  • Establish and promote TSAE Brand
    Approve logo/messaging (September); Magazine redesign; Website refresh; Advocacy efforts.
  • Develop leaders at all levels
    Education survey; Career pathing; Certificate program.
  • Model organizational excellence
    Select/onboard/support new Executive Director; Assess and evaluate key activities and resources; Policy review.

Executive Committee Appointed

Our 2016-17 executive committee, which is comprised of the current, incoming and past chair; chief paid staff; and strategic initiative leaders, was approved by the board.

  • Chair: JJ Colburn, CAE
  • Immediate Past Chair: Bill Keese, CAE
  • Chair-Elect: Christopher Williston VI, CAE
  • Executive Director: Vacant
  • Strategic Initiative Leaders: Megan Woodburn, CAE (increase/diversify revenue); Casandra Matej (establish brand); Rick Bondurant, CAE (develop leaders); Lori Gracey, CAE (organizational excellence)

Board vacancy filled

Theresa Parsons, CAE, Executive Director, Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education, was recommended and approved by the board to fill a remaining one-year term that was created by a vacancy on the Board. Per the bylaws, the Board may fill vacancies upon a recommendation from the Nominating Committee.

Bylaws Amendment

The board approved a recommendation from the Non-Dues Task Force to amend the bylaws to add a standing Endorsement Committee to review potential new and current endorsed services. An email will be sent to the membership for vote later this month.

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