I am excited and honored to join the Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) as its next Executive Director.  I am thankful to the IRTA Board of Directors for this incredible leadership opportunity.  Filling the shoes of Jim Bachman, whose leadership shaped the IRTA’s reputation of a powerful advocate on behalf of retired educators, will not be easy.  I am grateful for Jim’s guidance during our transition period, and I am eager to build upon Jim’s legacy.  I am confident that with the ongoing input, participation and support of the IRTA Board of Directors, members and staff, the IRTA will enjoy a bright and successful future.

My professional experience includes working for professional trade associations in positions focused on legislative representation, PAC fundraising, and grassroots mobilization.  Most recently, I provided direct lobbying services while simultaneously serving as the Executive Director for two statewide construction industry trade associations.  In this role, I maintained a wide range of responsibilities including lobbying, coalition building, budgeting, board and committee management and member recruitment and retention.  I believe success is maintained by working collaboratively with association leadership, members, staff and industry leaders. 

IRTA provides its members with invaluable services including legislative representation on important policies introduced by the Illinois General Assembly, legal representation to fight against laws that diminish pension benefits, and a strong Political Action Committee to aid in the election of candidates who are supportive of IRTA’s position on legislative issues that are important to retired educators.  In addition, the IRTA Foundation provides financial aid to retired teachers, grants to public school educators and scholarships to students aspiring to become teachers.  I am proud to be a part of an association that maintains a sense of community for retired educators and places great focus on positively impacting the lives of others.  I look forward to working alongside the IRTA Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and members to continue the important work of the association.

I recognize that I have a lot to learn in my new role.  I am committed to investing the time and attention that it will take to understand the IRTA culture, its policies and procedures and work toward elevating IRTA’s presence as a powerful advocate on behalf of the Illinois retired teacher community.  I look forward to meeting all of you in the months ahead and developing lasting relationships. 

In closing, I along with the IRTA staff, remain focused on providing members with personalized service and assisting you with any questions regarding your IRTA member benefits, pension benefits, or other concerns you may have.  We are happy to hear from you and encourage you to reach out to us at any time.