Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1251513
Ron's Column Through all of this, WEA President Kathy Vetter has been a solid and thoughtful leader, just as she has for her entire three terms of office. It has been eight years since the WEA presidency has changed hands. We are very fortunate to have an experienced WEA leader taking the helm on July 15th when Grady Hutcherson steps into office. On a personal note, I have appreciated Kathy's friendship and knowled ge through these years. I became Executive Director only seven months before she took office. I have loved working as a team.Kathy and I often recognize how completely different our personalities are, at least according to Myers-Briggs and True Colors. Because of Kathy's smarts, compassion, and dedication, we have worked synergistically and capitalized on one another's strengths to best serve the Associat ion together. There is not enough space in this magazine to list Kathy's many accomplishments. Among her greatest talents is her passion for lobbying the legislature. So often, Kathy is one of the first to arrive and the last to leave during the busy days of the legislative session. She faithfully attended and lobbied during every legislative session throughout her terms. Kathy also embraced NEA's Read Across America program crisscrossing the state with her Cat in the Hat costume, promoting reading. It will be odd when all of the thank-you cards from students, and newspaper clippings, come off of the President's office walls. Kathy, you should be so proud of your service to WEA! I doubt WEA nor NEA will let you pause too much in retirement. Thank you for all that you have done for WEA and the students of Wyoming! With the COVID-19 pandemic, we all have had to make unprecedented changes to our work and personal lives. I am proud of how WEA members, leaders, and staff have stepped up to take on this challenge head-on. On March 23rd, I implemented "work from home" protocols for the WEA staff, with only essential staff entering the building. The staff has been diligently working from home. We remain accessible for mem ber needs and have become proficient in addressing advocacy and organizing needs virtually. Many decisions needed to be made regarding conducting face-to-face or virtual meetings. It quickly became apparent that the annual Delegate Assembly could not happen. This event was changed to WEA's first "annual meeting," which allowed important votes to take place, to continue to move our Association forward. Ear ly on during the pandemic, WEA staff conducted a poll of all local presidents to assess whether school districts were doing the right thing regarding education, employee safety, and sustaining compensation. By far, we heard that districts were doing the right thing. Where there are problems, we have—and continue to—intervene and advocate for what's right for students and employees. WEA also participated i n an NEA poll that focused on the safety, well-being, and continued education of our students. The results will soon be available, allowing us to make data-informed decisions and guide our work to serve members through these unprecedented times. Ron Sniffin Executive Director, WEA rsniffin@wyoea.org (307)214-3389 E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R F r o m t h e L i v i n g i n T i m e s o f C h a n g e 5