TASA’s Ann Roland is retiring this month, and we at TASA wish her every happiness!
Ann came to TASA from Eanes ISD in 2013 as executive assistant to then-Executive Director Johnny Veselka and has continued in that role since Kevin Brown took over in 2018.
Alongside TASA’s executive directors, she has served as the main staff liaison with the TASA Executive Committee for nearly 12 years, doing the leg work to plan and organize their meetings. She has also managed the association’s elections, handled communications with TASA leaders, facilitated the committee appointments process, ensured TASA follows its bylaws and constitution, and much more. If it has related to TASA’s governance structure, you can be sure that Ann has been the one to take care of it, and she’s known among TASA staff members for rarely, if ever, missing a detail.
Comments from TASA Colleagues
“Ann has such an incredible eye for detail and an ability to catch things the rest of us miss,” says Sheri Hicks. “I value her ability to quickly think through all the scenarios before I can even take a sip of coffee! Her brain is incredible!”
“Ann Roland is truly going to be missed,” says Jill Siler. “Her attention to detail is second to none! I am so thankful for her support of Texas schools through TASA!”
“When I started at TASA, I was in an adjoining office to Ann, and we got to know each other chatting through the wall,” says Amy Francisco. “She’s a good colleague and better friend, and I hope she will stay in touch with us even though she’ll be living her best retirement life. … Plus I’m really going to miss her eagle eyes for spotting typos!”
“I will miss Ann so much as my work neighbor. For years she has been a daily welcome presence in my life,” says Jennifer Garrido. “Ann has a quiet, gentle kindness. Beyond her stellar professional standards, it’s her friendship that I cherish and will miss the most. Sharing in each other’s life experience, both joys and struggles, Ann has made work feel like home and I am going to so miss her presence as my office buddy. Ann, you’ve been a true friend and I feel blessed to have had the privilege of working alongside you all these years. Here’s to the next phase — one that’s well-deserved and full of relaxation and new passions.”
“When I stop by Ann’s office I am always greeted with a smile,” says Casey McCreary. “I appreciate her questions about the political/legislative world that always make me feel like our work in governmental relations matters. She is a person who cares deeply about her family and friends, and I feel fortunate to be not only a work colleague but also a friend.”
“It’s been a pleasure working with Ann these past 11 years,” says Maria Cruz. “Ann is a ‘class-act’ and her devotion to TASA and her work ethic is exemplary. I will be forever grateful for her guidance and support throughout the years. I will cherish the memories of our conversations, shared laughs, and moments together. I look forward to our continued friendship and wish her continued good health, joy, and peace in her retirement!”
“I am really going to miss Ann Roland as she turns the pages on a new chapter in life,” says Debbie O’Donnell. “Her passion and dedication to TASA have set a great example for the whole office. Working with Ann has been a privilege and an honor in my professional career, but getting to know her as a friend has enriched my life. Ann has more than earned her retirement, and I wish her the best for an awesome future ahead full of fun times, relaxation, great adventures, and many good books.”
“I am going to miss Ann’s quick wit and wicked sense of humor,” says Amy Beneski. “It’s been a pleasure working with her all these years, and she’s going to be greatly missed.”
“I have really enjoyed working with Ann for more than six years,” says Kevin Brown. “She has done an exceptional job for all of us at TASA, including our staff and our members. There are so many things she quietly does behind the scenes that make a big difference. Her calm, steady, professional and kind ways will be greatly missed by all of us. My hope is that she has a very long and happy new chapter in her life.”
Feel free to wish Ann well with an email (she’ll receive them through Friday, December 20).
