Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1205100
Welcoming New Staff to WEA! The Wyoming Education Association is pleased to welcome Felicia Raney to the WEA family! Felicia will be serving as our new Southwest Region Uniserv Director. Felicia is a native of Ohio, a graduate of Miami University, and a proud mother of two grown boys. She is fresh from the classroom, having spent the last 22 years as a secondary language arts teacher. During her tenure, Felicia served on a myriad of curriculum and building leadership committees. Early in her career, Felicia was encouraged by her local association's leadership to become a building representative. Years later, she went on to become president of that association—negotiating contracts, advocating for pro-educational policies at the statehouse, and representing members in need of support. Though still adjusting to life outside of the classroom, Felicia is excited about her new home in Wyoming and grateful for the opportunity to represent members across the Southwest region. As a former teacher, she knows the value of being a member of a strong local association. As a former local president, she knows the instrumental role that a UniServ Director plays in building stronger locals. Welcome, Felicia! 28 | WEAnews As a fourth-generation Wyoming native, Tate Mullen has strong ties to friends and family across the cowboy state. Tate was born in Cheyenne and raised in Casper, where he attended Natrona County High School and Casper Community College. Tate went on to Laramie Wyoming, where he received his master's degree in political science, studying youth voter participation and mobilization. After graduating, Tate worked as a GED instructor at the Center for Adult Education in Loveland Colorado, where he also taught college preparatory math and English. Continuing his education, Tate attended the University of Colorado Denver, where he pursued his master's in public administration and public policy. During this time, he worked as a policy and budget analyst for the Office of Budget and Management in Jefferson County, Colorado. Here he conducted policy analysis regarding the impacts of TABOR on the county's service provision. Before returning home to Wyoming, Tate worked as a policy and research analyst for Kansas Action for Children in Topeka Kansas, where he collaborated with state legislators, national partner organizations, and other statewide non-profits on policies aimed at improving the lives of children and families across the state. Tate is thrilled to be back home and to be able to continue his work as an advocate for educators, children, and families across the state of Wyoming. In his free time, Tate enjoys day trips to the mountains with his partner Jordyn and their two dogs, watching his teenage son play lacrosse, lifting weights, or just relaxing and bantering with friends and family over good food and drinks. WEA Goverment Relations Director, Tate Mullen WEA Southwest Uniserv Director, Felicia Raney