TPA staff works for benefit of members

Wanda Garner Cash
TPA President 2004-05
Random Thoughts

Four or five years before I became TPA president last summer, I started fretting about the implications of taking over the reins of a 125-year-old institution.

I experienced recurring self-doubt about meeting the standards for leadership set by a deep legacy of formidable and impressive past presidents such as Will Mayes, George Baker, James Roberts and Roy Eaton (not to mention my immediate predecessor Willis Webb).

The trepidation began when I was elected treasurer, intensifying with each ensuing rung on the officers ladder to the presidency.

Serving on the executive committee, however, was just the calming tonic I needed. My concerns about being able to do the job diminished proportionate to my increasing familiarity with the inner workings of the association. Specifically, the inner workings of the TPA staff.

Because, really and truly, the Texas Press Association succeeds because of that staff, an exceptional team of professionals whose work is largely unrecognized by the general membership.

Mike Hodges sets the pace with his exemplary leadership as executive director. Ken Long, Ed Sterling and Pauline Word turn in continuing service that far exceeds their job descriptions. And every periodicals-class newspaper permit holder in Texas knows and owes Harley Hitchcock, “The Enforcer.”

These staff members are TPA’s more visible face, but the unsung heroes behind the scenes deserve our praise and gratitude as well.

From Patty Sommers, the voice of the TPA switchboard who talks to every publisher at every paper, to Stephanie Hearne, the controller who knows where every penny goes. Jan Morgan and Donna Shaw, who put money in our cash registers through the ad network. Randy Nettles and Debbie Hall, the national faces of TPA advertising. Fred Anders who teaches us how to love technology. And Lolly Denk, officially TPA’s mail services specialist, but better known as our convention greeter and go-to expert.

Individually and collectively, the TPA staff exhibits the work ethic every employer seeks. Their teamwork propels TPA to the top position among other state press associations.

Not only did they make my term as TPA president a pleasurable experience, they made my life — and yours — as publisher easier, more productive, more efficient, more profitable and more fun.

When conventions triumph with record participation, educational workshops fill up with wait lists and lawmakers and postmasters quake respectably in our presence, it’s due to TPA staff work.

In a Messenger column at the beginning of my term, I wrote about my love and admiration for community newspapers. I said community newspapers are where good work starts because they are the training ground for young journalists who learn that good work is good work no matter where you do it.

In large measure, every aspect of that good work is supported and guided by the outstanding TPA staff.

So, to my friends on the executive committee – and to all the leadership potential out there. Don’t fret about being an officer or president. The staff does all the work and all we have to do is smile.

Thank you, TPA members, for the privilege to have served as your president in this 125th anniversary year. Thank you, TPA staff, for making it look easy.