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 15 director Darlene Kelly.

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

I joined ATPE about 20 years ago, when I was personally invited to a local unit meeting. I told them I wasn't a teacher, and they said, “Good because ATPE accepts all educators.” I attended my first convention in Houston and was hooked from then on. The House of Delegates blew me away. My good "sister" friend Cheryl Buchanan encouraged me to run for local office, and I loved it.

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

That I get to carry on the business for my region and be their voice.

How has being on the board helped your region?

I think it is great that we have a representative from each region on the board. We are so different, with big and small regions, and each person is able to share that at each BOD meeting.

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

Just do it! It really is a great opportunity to move up the ATPE “ladder” and gives you a chance to see more in depth how the board, state officers, and state employees work together.

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

Not sure anyone would call this fun but me, but not only am I involved in ATPE, I am involved throughout my community here in Ballinger. I am mayor pro-tem for the city of Ballinger, where I have served for 10 years. I am secretary/treasurer for the Ballinger Breakfast Lions club, and each year we help with a youth hunt at Lake Ivie. I am president of Region 15 TASBO Affiliate, president of Alpha Upsilon Phi, secretary for Carnegie Library of Ballinger board, and secretary for Ballinger Country Club. There is definitely no time to be bored. God is good.