“We Love Linsae” TSPRNs say farewell to our beloved executive director

When she came to TSPRA, she was expected to extend and grow TSPRA’s legacy of excellence.

In her time as our executive director, she has created a legacy of her own, lifting the organization to new levels of excellence with her extraordinary work ethic and love for public schools and those who promote and support them.

“I can’t remember when I met Linsae. She’s just been a constant part of my TSPRA experience. Whether it was sitting together at a Roundtable or going to a TSPRA event, I have always gained from knowing Linsae. Her enthusiasm, creativity and willingness to lead the way through hard work and determination are just a few of the reasons I admire her and enjoy her company. Linsae has shared herself with TSPRA and TSPRA has come out the winner.”

— Candace Ahlfinger, Retired School PR Professional,TSPRA Past President, 2005-2006

You know her simply as Linsae, but there is nothing simple about our amazing executive director.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Lindsey on so many levels, including as a past president. She doesn’t just want TSPRA to be successful; she wants every member to be successful. She has the same enthusiasm for a veteran member when they get a promotion as she does when a rookie wins a Star Award. TSPRA is made up of many personalities and she has worked hard to help everyone find their place in our great organization. Whenever a colleague would ask me for my thoughts about serving in a leadership position, I would always give them the same advice: ‘Trust Linsae.’”

— Ian Halperin, Director of Community Relations & Marketing, Wylie ISD, TSPRA Past President, 2016-2017

With more than 29 years of service in public education as a teacher, program coordinator and school district administrator, Snider came to TSPRA with a wealth of experience to TSPRA’s leadership position where she managed the day-today operations in the state office in Austin. “I have never enjoyed being mentored by someone as much as I have enjoyed learning from Linsae! Her direct focused and committed energy to doing what is best for the organization is what I love most about her and her leadership style. I have modeled so much of my leadership after Linsae’s and I will forever be grateful that she mentored me through several transitions.”

— Veronica V. Sopher, Chief Communications Officer, Fort Bend ISD, TSPRA Past President, 2021-2022

Linsae Snider has served as our executive director for 12 years. During her tenure, she has seen the membership grow from 825 in July 2010 to near capacity due to her networking skills, constant communication and transparency with the general membership. She has put the association on a strong financial footing due to her tenacity in budget development, seeking ways to save money while simultaneously raising money through sponsorships levied on her talent for building relationships and encouraging support of public education.

Over time, Linsae has been likened to the energizer bunny, keeping TSPRA running like clockwork. Her running heels will be hard to fill. For all that she has done for our school public relations organization of choice, THE Texas School Public Relations Association, we are truly grateful.

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“When I first met Linsae, her genuine smile and warmth were the first things I noticed, and her seemingly endless energy and positivity quickly shined through, too. It has been a blessing to get to know her over the years personally and professionally, and am honored to share a birthday with her. I will be forever grateful that she saw leadership qualities in me and encouraged me to serve within TSPRA. She has a special talent for seeing qualities in and encouraging others, and then she helps them grow professionally into that vision”

— Kristin Zastoupil, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, Forney ISD TSPRA Past President, 2018-2019

Snider began her career as a teacher in Goose Creek CISD, Baytown, Texas, serving that district for five years. For the next 20 years, she worked for the Region 17 Education Service Center (ESC) in Lubbock, Texas, holding positions as coordinator of media, school health specialist, coordinator of instructional resources, drug-free schools specialist, and coordinator of professional development. At the ESC she gained experience developing, directing and evaluating new and existing events, programs and projects at the local, state and national levels.

“I met Linsae when she was involved in professional development through another organization. Her passion and hard work were evident from the beginning. What I always admired about Linsae was she was a learner and wanted to help others to be successful. Her impact across educational organizations is admirable.”

— Diana Ely, Northside ISD/San Antonio

In 2005, Snider moved from the ESC into an administrative position at Frenship ISD, serving first as director of development, public information and professional development. As the district’s spokesperson, she coordinated all media coverage while chairing and serving on several district and community committees.

“I think one of the reasons that Linsae resonated so much with me is because she came from our ranks and understood what we do and go through every day. I learned a lot from Linsae over the years, and I will miss her insight and leadership in the organization. She has taken a great organization and made it even greater. One that other chapters want to emulate.”

— Monica Faulkenbery, APR, Assistant Director of Communications, Northside ISD, TSPRA Past President, 2019-2020

She earned her bachelor and master of science degrees and a mid-management certification at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. (Wreck’Em!) “My time with Linsae has always been like two sisters, both former Home Ec teachers, both Tech Alum and both from the Panhandle. We just think alike and loved working together.”

— Denise Blanchard, Director, Community Partnerships, Amarillo ISD

As the executive director of the Texas School Public Relations Association, Linsae has been recognized for her leadership at the largest state organization dedicated to promoting public schools through effective communications.

“Linsae and I both share an excitement for food. She introduced me to Austin food trucks, Franklin Barbecue and Torchy’s Tacos. And, she makes the best snack mix for executive committee meetings! Our breaks at conferences have definitely been a foodie paradise. I mean, who could ever forget the Bacon Bar at Lost Pines Resort?

Beyond the snacks and great eats, Linsae has the recipe for success for building the organization’s finances. We are beyond strong, thanks to her dedication and perseverance in building, sustaining and increasing our solvency. She has embraced inclusivity and valued the contributions of every member and skill set, talent and experience.

I sure hope she shows up at TSPRA conferences in the coming years as a retiree!”

— Melissa Tortorici, Director of Communications, Texas City ISD, TSPRA Past President, 2017-2018

Linsae’s enthusiasm and energy, combined with her knowledge and administrative abilities, have built on TSPRA’s strengths and taken the association to the next level of improving and striving for excellence in communications for our public schools.

Ever the advocate, Linsae shares, “Public education is the most important asset our state can offer to its citizens and promoting public education in Texas is a passion,” said Snider. “I am honored to have served as the executive director for TSPRA. I have enjoyed carrying out our mission and exploring new ways to improve communications between Texans and our public schools. That mission has never been more important than it is today. We must promote a positive climate for the continued academic success of the students in Texas.”

“Linsae, we love you. You are a true TSPRA treasure and legend. You will be dearly missed. Know that you have a friend in every corner of this great state, and the love and respect that exceeds its borders. We wish you every happiness in your retirement.”

— Patti Pawlik-Perales, Director of Communications & Foundation, Beeville ISD, TSPRA Past President, 2013-2014

We wish her every success and much happiness as she moves on to the next chapter, retiring from her role this June 2022.