ATPE is proud to bring you this series of posts from your board members. The ATPE Board of Directors is made up of 20 regional members, who are elected by their constituents; four state officers, who are elected annually by the entire House of Delegates at the ATPE Summit; and the most recent state past president. Board members were sent questions via email, and their responses will be posted to the ATPE Blog in the order they were received. Today’s post is from Region 17 director Brenda Bryan.

How and why did you get involved in a leadership role at ATPE?

Someone asked me to be our campus rep, and from there I just kept volunteering. I was blessed along the way to work with other ATPE leaders who mentored me as I took on different leadership roles. That is an important piece of keeping new leaders at every level—making sure that there is someone there to nurture, support, answer questions, and give them a helping hand.

What is your favorite part of serving on the ATPE board?

I am still finding my way as a “newbie” on the board, but the best part has to be the people. EVERYONE is committed to making the best decisions for the members of ATPE and ultimately the children of Texas. The board is composed of members from all sizes of districts, rural and urban, elementary to high school, all striving to do the best they can in making decisions and recommendations for the members of ATPE.

How has being on the board helped your region?

I follow a legacy of great board members from Region 17. They have always kept us well informed about the business of ATPE. I feel the best way that I can help my region is by continuing to keep them informed.

What advice would you give to others who might be interested in serving on the board?

Go for it, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Can you share something fun about yourself that our members might not know?

I am the great-granddaughter, granddaughter, daughter, sister, wife, and mom of farmers/ranchers. I grew up hoeing cotton, plowing, driving grain trucks, and “tromping” cotton. I have bottle-fed orphan calves and pigs and, yes, I name them and they become like pets (to the chagrin of my husband and son, but my daughter is on my side). But, alas, they grow up! I have a wonderful life—educating, feeding, and clothing the world.