LM Oct 2019

I A S A P R O U D T O W E L C O M E T W

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. 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. 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. Q : Whatwill beyour roleandduties withIASA?

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)

Answer: BonusQuestion:CardinalsorCubs?

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LM October 2019