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LM October 2019
I A S A P R O U D T O W E L C O M E T W
Answer:
BonusQuestion:CardinalsorCubs?
ChadWatkins: Associate Director/General Counsel
We are excited to welcome Chad Watkins to the IASA team
as general counsel. Chad will officially begin October 15.
Below is a short Q&A with Chad to help you get acquainted
with IASA’s new general counsel.
Q
:
Whydidyouwant toworkfor IASA?
Public education is my passion. In this role at IASA,
I will have the opportunity to improve outcomes for
our kids statewide through advocating for school district
leaders.
Q
:
Whatpastexperienceshaveyouhad
thatpreparedyoufor thisopportunity?
For the past 4 ½ years, I have practiced education law
and represented Illinois school districts on student,
personnel and board governance matters. Prior to
becoming a lawyer, I taught special education and
coached girls’ basketball in Washington, D.C.
Q
:
Whatwill beyour roleandduties
withIASA?
In this role, I will serve as chief legal counsel to the
IASA Board of Directors and Executive Director,
provide advice to association members regarding
their employment matters, work with committees on
matters involving legislation and attend region meetings
to speak with IASA members about the association’s
programs and activities.
Bio information
Hometown:
Swansea, IL
Current City:
Columbia, IL
Education:
B.A., Northwestern University;
M.Ed., George Mason University;
J.D., Washington University
Family:
Wife, Sarah; Kids, Katherine (5)
and Blake (9 months)
Q
:
What’sonethingaboutyouthatwould
surprisepeople?
I’ve been to all 50 states.
Q
:
Didyouhaveaneducator inschool that
wasarolemodel or inspirationtoyou?
I’ve had so many teachers that have made a
difference in my life. But the most significant are the
two high school teachers who I am lucky to call mom
and dad, Patty and Pat Watkins.