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Our Team

Sally Smith, J.D.

Executive Director

Sally joined AASB’s staff in 1986 and previously served as assistant executive director, director of public relations, director of communications and director of research and special projects. She was promoted to executive director in June 2007. She manages the association’s affairs, directs legislative efforts, advises the AASB membership and oversees efforts to build public support for schools.

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Ada Katherine van Wyhe

Director of Governmental Relations

Ada Katherine joined AASB in 2023 with extensive experience in public policy and research, government affairs and public administration, specifically in health and human services and early childhood, K-12, and higher education. She monitors legislation in the Alabama House and Senate as well as the work of the State Board of Education and writes AASB’s legislative communications.

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Adrienne Edwards, CPA

Director of Finance & Operations

As the director of finance and operations, Adrienne is responsible for the financial operations of the association and provides financial training, assists boards with financial matters and oversees the daily business operations of the association. Adrienne previously worked as an audit supervisor, internal auditor and accountant.

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Dana W. Vandiver

Director of Public Relations

Dana directs all facets of AASB’s marketing efforts, including events management and promoting fee-based services, manages all association communications, including website, social media and specialty publications, and coordinates media relations.

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Jayne H. Williams, Esq.

General Counsel & Director of Legal Advocacy

Jayne is responsible for training, assisting with advocacy and legislation on issues impacting public education, providing legal information to members and keeping members informed of relevant legislation, court opinions and policy matters.

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Lisa Stamps, Ph.D.

Director of Leadership Development

Lisa is currently the AASB director of leadership development and oversees the association's training program, creating and delivering whole board training sessions for board leadership teams and planning the content of AASB conferences.

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Ava Cranmore

Assistant Director of Leadership Development

As the assistant director of leadership development, Ava oversees the creation and management of online training modules, assists in the development and delivery of whole board training and supports various leadership and development programs.

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Blakely Pemberton

Meetings & Events Manager

Blakely Pemberton joined the AASB staff in June 2023. She is responsible for planning the association's major training events, including district meetings, conferences and convention. Blakely also manages AASB's Professional Sustaining Members program.

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Joy Brownell

Membership Coordinator

Joy joined the AASB staff in 2019 as an administrative assistant and became the membership coordinator in 2021. She coordinates all membership services, including membership database management, event registrations and maintaining training attendance records.

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Katherine Corbitt

Administrative Assistant

Katherine provides administrative support to the director of Finance & Operations as well as the general counsel and director of Legal Advocacy. She also ensures efficient operations of the office, welcomes visitors and answers and directs phone calls for the association.

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Mary Nielsen

Coordinator of Finance & Operations

Mary joined the AASB staff in July 2021 as an administrative assistant and became coordinator of Finance & Operations in April 2022. In this role, she assists the Director of Finance & Operations with maintaining financial records for AASB and affiliates.

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Stephanie B. Bell

Executive Assistant of Leadership Development

Stephanie ensures school systems have a positive experience as she works to coordinate whole board trainings. She also works closely with several AASB services including providing technical support to the applicants for superintendent searches.

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Suzanne Freeman, Ph.D.

Member Engagement Representative

Dr. Suzanne Freeman joined AASB's staff as a member engagement representative in January 2019. She works to develop positive relationships with AASB members through calls and face-to-face visits, connecting members with AASB services and programs.

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Tamia Heard

Public Relations Coordinator

Tamia joined the AASB staff in February 2020 and assists the Public Relations department with media relations, graphic design, social media and monitoring education-related news. She is a recent graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communication studies.

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Tammy Wright

Executive Assistant

Tammy joined the AASB staff full-time in 1990, after briefly working here part-time. She essentially serves as office manager for AASB. She also is the executive director's secretary.

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Tracey A. Meyer

Governmental Relations Coordinator

Tracey assists AASB's grassroots advocacy program by coordinating Advocacy Days and our participation in the Federal Relations Network. In addition, she manages AASB’s legislative portal and prepares & distributes the Advocate for Schools newsletter.

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