For the Cause, Not the Applause: Thank You to Our Outgoing Board Members

IAACE believes in the power of service, collaboration, and dedication. Now and then, we get to publicly thank those who have given so much of themselves behind the scenes, not for recognition but because they believe in our mission and in the lives we touch through adult education..

As we close another chapter in our leadership story, we say farewell and a heartfelt thank you to five outstanding board members: Konnie McCollum, Mike Thombleson, Amy Richmund, Shawn Hughes, and Deb Sherwood.

Each of these individuals has served with quiet strength, showing up time and again—not because they had to, but because they chose to. They have given their time, lent their voices, shared their talents, and guided IAACE forward with integrity and purpose.

They’ve brainstormed during long meetings, championed new ideas, been instrumental in our strategic plan, represented our field with pride, and supported our members in ways that often went unseen. Their passion wasn’t driven by the spotlight but by the cause, and that’s what makes them truly exceptional.

But today, we pause for a moment to break that silence and offer something simple but deeply deserved: applause.

Konnie, Mike, Amy, Shawn, and Deb—thank you. Thank you for doing the work that matters, for being the kind of leaders who lift others up, and for leaving a legacy that will ripple long after your board service ends.

You’ve stepped up to the plate time and again, and we are better because of it.

With gratitude,
The IAACE Team

Jenn Wigginton

Jenn is the IAACE Executive Director. Her passion for adult education shines through in everything she does for IAACE. You can invite her to a chat for questions anytime. Click here to book a time to chat with Jenn