Being a Past-President has its privileges ...

Today, the Texas School Public Relations Association’s annual conference in Austin begins. As I sit here in Pipe Creek relaxing with a cup of coffee before heading out, I started to reflect on what it was like one year ago when I was the President instead of the Immediate Past President.

One of the big responsibilities of the President is making sure the conference is awesome. Last year I felt a lot of pressure the week before the conference and spent a lot of time tossing and turning during the night. When I arrived at the hotel to begin the conference last year it was non-stop activity. There was rarely a moment when someone wasn’t whispering something to you, or asking your opinion, or letting you know there was a problem. All in all the conference went off with only a few glitches. The conference planning team we assembled needed to hold their heads high for the tremendous job that was accomplished.

This year is so much different. My responsibilities include only a couple of reports during the Executive Committee Meeting on Sunday, a presentation with Terry Morawski on Monday, and making a brief speech at the Installation Luncheon on Tuesday. So much more relaxing.

Of course the week is still filled with excitement as I begin my new job on Friday as Director of School and Community Relations for Georgetown ISD. Unfortunately because of the weeks time constraints, I have to leave the TSPRA Conference right after the Installation Luncheon to return home. Wednesday and Thursday will be busy at Bandera ISD wrapping things up, training a few people on some of the things I do, and saying farewell. The evenings at home will be just as busy making sure loose ends are taken care of and everything is packed for my new adventure.

Gina gave me a wooden cross with a scripture from Jeremiah engraved on it as a present three years ago when we discussed looking for a new position and moving to the Austin area. I had it hanging in my office and have read it every morning when I arrived and every afternoon when I left. The cross reads “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future”.

I am sure glad that God waited until this year to put this tremendous new opportunity into my hands. He always knows the right time for us and picks the right place so we can prosper and have a wonderful future.