In this Issue:
COSSBA Welcomes Julie Feasel as Communications Professional
COSSBA is excited to introduce Julie Feasel as the Director of Communications. Julie is an accomplished executive strategist with a history of success crafting communications and public relations strategies that advance organizational and community agendas. She has years of communications experience working for associations and a public relations firm, including 21 years as the Vice President of Communications for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.
Julie's role as a relationship builder is vital to her success. She partners with local, regional, and national print, broadcast, and electronic media outlets to generate positive coverage. Her ability to foster connections is why senior executives and community leaders regularly seek her to oversee critical long-term projects requiring continuous communications to achieve objectives.
Her experience working in member-driven, not-for-profit organizations has allowed her to possess exceptional creativity and writing skills, with attention to cultural responsiveness, political sensitivity and situational awareness. As an avid reader herself, she loves telling a good story.
Julie's commitment to her community is evident in her years of volunteer involvement. She has served on highly visible and demanding boards, committees, and community organizations. Her dedication is further shown through her roles as the Olentangy Education Foundation's Vice President and a Women Giving Together member, which supports nonprofits in Delaware County. Her peers have recognized her as the 2021 Delaware County Foundation Volunteer of the Year.
Julie is a proud Saint Mary’s College graduate in Notre Dame, Indiana, majoring in Mass Communications with minors in Business, American History and Sociology. She and her husband, John, live in Lewis Center, Ohio, where they can be found cheering on high school sports teams or volunteering at a school event. Her two daughters are also Saint Mary’s College graduates and live in Las Vegas. Meghan is a middle school guidance counselor in the Clark County School District, and Brigid is an avid artist and baker.
Engage and Lead: Highlights from the COSSBA Summer Leadership Summit
The COSSBA Summer Leadership Summit, held June 20-22 in Missoula, Montana, provided inspirational keynotes and practical panels focused on non-profit association governance and engagement. Here’s a snapshot of the enriching sessions that unfolded:
“Engage! Leadership!” Keynote by Clint Swindall. In an era marked by unprecedented challenges, Clint Swindall delivered an entertaining keynote on the importance of engagement. He emphasized that despite the global pandemic, political divides and economic uncertainties, leaders hold the power to foster a culture of engagement. By harnessing mindset and skillset, leaders can galvanize their teams, members, and themselves towards a shared vision of commitment and purpose.
Engaged Leadership at the Non-Profit Organization. In table discussions led by Dr. Dean Langdon, COSSBA Director of Member Services, attendees explored the challenges of engaging their members and staff. Participants also explored issues unique to their association and how to effectively inspire their teams and stakeholders, ensuring that their organizations remain resilient and adaptive in the face of change.
“Steering Through the Storm: Crisis Communications for State School Board” Keynote by Bruce Hennes. The CEO of Hennes Communications, Bruce, shared his expertise in crisis communications, offering actionable insights for protecting and managing the reputation of state associations. Attendees learned about the Crisis Communications Playbook, mastering the art of crafting impactful messages that resonate with their audience and underscore the value of their association.
Ignite Session: “Spotlight on State Associations” In a series of rapid talks, leaders of the showcased initiatives that have made a significant impact in their respective states. This session was a testament to the innovative spirit and collective accomplishments of the COSSBA community. Thank you to the state associations from Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina, Missouri, and Ohio for sharing their expertise.
Leadership Roundtables. In an innovative format, attendees engaged in two 40-minute roundtable discussions, with the flexibility to switch topics midway. The sessions fostered deep dives into:
Onboarding New Members to the Non-Profit Board of Directors: Strategies for integrating new members were shared to ensure they are well-equipped to contribute effectively.
The Non-Profit Board’s Role in Monitoring Performance: Insights on how boards can maintain oversight on organizational performance, driving accountability and excellence.
Non-Profit Board Development and Self-Assessment: Techniques for board self-evaluation were discussed, highlighting the importance of continuous development and self-improvement.
Panel Discussions. Seasoned state association leaders also led sessions on the importance of Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight – both crucial functions for the non-profit board.
State of the Consortium and Recognitions. COSSBA Executive Director Dr. Thomas Bertrand concluded the Summit with a “State of the Consortium” address, celebrating the achievements of the board, staff and members and recognizing the outstanding contributions of departing Board Chair Ege Cordell and Past-Chair Simon Kampwerth, Jr.
UBA is Now the Unified Boards Alliance
Under the direction of the UBA Advisors, the Urban Boards Alliance has officially rebranded to the Unified Boards Alliance. The change reflects the group's commitment to supporting and equipping school boards with the necessary knowledge, skills, training and experiences to improve educational outcomes for students in diverse and challenging environments.
Understanding that these challenging environments and issues are not unique to urban school districts, UBA also encourages participation from rural and suburban districts. Through UBA programming, all school boards and governance teams will better understand these issues and share best practices to come together to support and serve all students effectively.
The Unified Boards Alliance (UBA) continues to complement and supplement the professional development and training offered by member state school boards associations. In collaboration with these associations and the Program Advisors, UBA provides a national platform for training, resources, and networking. Participation in UBA is a member benefit of your State School Boards Association membership. Aside from registration fees for conferences, events and webinars, access to UBA resources is free for state association member school districts.
At its most recent meeting, the Unified Boards Alliance Advisory Board was excited to welcome the following new Program Advisors:
Shakila Henderson-Baker
Director, Georgia School Boards Association & Board Member, Newton County Schools, Georgia
Brian Farmer
Executive Director, Wyoming School Boards Association, Wyoming
Michelle McKissack
Memphis Shelby County School Board Member, Tennessee
Melissa Randol
Executive Director, Missouri School Boards Association, Missouri
Federal Advocacy Conference is the Culmination of COSSBA’s Advocacy Work
School board members and association staff from across the country will gather in Washington, D.C., from September 8-10 for COSSBA’s second Federal Advocacy Conference. Attendees will learn and connect with peers from across the country before heading to Capitol Hill to advocate for COSSBA’s advocacy positions and issues of importance at the state and local levels.
The Federal Advocacy Conference represents the culmination of the Consortium’s advocacy work, which starts with the Annual Member Business Meeting. Each year, state associations are invited to submit new or modified advocacy positions and amendments to COSSBA’s by-laws for consideration by the delegates to the member meeting.
Additions or modifications related to advocacy positions may also be recommended by COSSBA’s Government Affairs Advisory Committee and approved by the COSSBA Board of Directors on an interim basis in between the annual meetings of the membership. This allows COSSBA to respond to emerging issues and to update background information and references in support of the various position statements approved by the delegates.
Once approved by the delegates (by a two-thirds majority of the membership to ensure unity), advocacy position statements are the consortium’s “marching orders,” so it is important that the member associations engage in the process.
The key deadlines related to the submission of proposed changes to the bylaws and advocacy positions for consideration at the 2025 Annual Member Business Meeting are provided below:
January 12, 2025 —Tentative deadline from state associations for additions or changes to bylaws and advocacy positions.
February 6, 2025 —Tentative deadline for COSSBA to distribute all additions or changes to delegates to the Annual Member Business Meeting.
March 13, 2025 —Tentative date of COSSBA Annual Member Business Meeting (Atlanta, GA)
In late November or early December, the state associations will receive more information about the Annual Member Business Meeting and a template for submitting additions or changes to bylaws and advocacy positions.
A Cadence of Accountability is a Key to a High-Functioning Leadership Team
Message From the Executive Director
In terms of organizational success, the role of a healthy, high-functioning leadership team cannot be overstated. While fulfilling legal duties and safeguarding organizational assets are foundational responsibilities, boards play multifaceted roles critical to the organization’s success.
In his work "The Imperfect Board Member," Jim Brown underscores that a board's principal duty is to "direct and protect" organizational performance. This encompasses defining and refining the organization's vision, mission and values, setting strategic priorities and goals, and diligently monitoring progress. Policy formulation is integral to this oversight, delineating expectations for both the board and executive leadership. Clear policies act as guardrails for staff, ensuring consistency and compliance across organizational operations.
Central to effective governance is the establishment of a cadence of accountability. Regular board meetings provide opportunities to review policies, assess compliance and track progress toward strategic objectives. This structured approach ensures alignment with organizational goals and enhances transparency and accountability at every level of operation.
Accountability extends to the board itself. Establishing robust governance policies that define operational protocols and review mechanisms is paramount. Regular evaluations, such as annual self-assessments, enable boards to gauge their effectiveness and adherence to governance standards. This introspective process fosters continuous improvement and reinforces the board's commitment to its fiduciary duties.
A cadence of accountability forms the cornerstone of a high-functioning leadership team. By diligently monitoring compliance, evaluating performance, and refining governance practices, boards safeguard organizational integrity and propel their organizations toward sustained success and resilience in a changing environment. This proactive approach ensures organizational health and cultivates a culture of excellence and adaptability essential for thriving in today's complex educational and organizational landscape.
COSSBA Legacy Partner Recognized as Top Crisis Communications Firm
Our Essential Services Provider and Legacy Partner, Hennes Communications, has been named among the top crisis PR firms in the U.S. by Chambers and Partners, the leading independent professional legal research company in the world. To read more about this recognition and the services Hennes Communications can provide to school boards associations and their members, click here.
Upcoming Events
August 21, 2024, at Noon EDT, UBA Webinar, Social Economics and Its Impact on Students Academically
September 8, 2024, COSSBA Board of Directors’ Meeting, Washington D.C.
September 8-10, 2024, Federal Advocacy Conference 2024, Washington D.C.
October 16, 2024, at Noon EDT, UBA Webinar, Meeting the Academic Needs of Your Homeless Students
January 16-18, 2025, 2025 Leadership Summit, Birmingham, AL (by invitation)
March 19, 2025, COSSBA Board of Directors’ Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia
March 20 – COSSBA’s Unified Boards Alliance (UBA) Preconference Day
March 21-23, 2025 - 2025 COSSBA National Conference, Hilton Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
June 25, 2025 - COSSBA Board of Directors’ Meeting, St. Louis, Missouri
June 25-27, 2025 – 2025 National School Wellness and Safety Conference hosted by COSSBA’s Unified Boards Alliance (UBA) – Marriott Grand, St. Louis, Missouri
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