NASHVILLE, Tenn. — TSEA officially cut the ribbon on the next 50 years during our 51st Annual Representative Assembly, held May 29–31 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville. About 200 members from across the state gathered for three days of official business, training, recognition, and celebration.
The event opened with committee meetings, the Board of Directors’ session, and a presentation from TSEA’s Government Affairs Director Evan Suddath, participating in his first RA. Suddath walked members through how the legislative process works and explained how TSEA approaches legislative session. On Friday morning, members also heard from Federated Marketing representatives Kim Wood and Ken Johnson, who shared an overview of their services and presented updated data. As part of the Thursday and Friday Board meetings, through an open session, members from various agencies shared work related concerns with the Board for their consideration of further actions to support our members.
During Friday’s Board meeting, the TSEA Scholarship Committee announced final determinations for this year’s scholarship recipients. After reviewing an exceptional pool of applicants, the committee recommended increasing the number of standard and honorary scholarships awarded. The Board approved the request. A full list of recipients will appear in the upcoming issue of The Co-Worker.
Breakout sessions on Friday morning gave members the chance to hear directly from subject-matter experts. Christy Behnke, Higher Education Resource Officer, led a session focused on higher education issues. TSEA’s appeals session was facilitated by Staff Attorney Jessica Scott and Legal Services Coordinator Nicole Ramey. In the retirees’ session, AARP’s Hal Martin shared tips on fraud prevention and scam awareness—topics that continue to be important for retired members.
One of the most impactful sessions of the weekend was the Department of Correction meeting, where our members working in TDOC had an opportunity to engage directly with their senior leadership. Commissioner Frank Strada and Assistant Commissioner Heather Stanford ran the session and remained far beyond their scheduled time. Commissioner Strada listened closely as members raised concerns, even responding to several items in real time—making phone calls and initiating follow-up actions during the meeting. We are grateful to Commissioner Strada and his staff for attending and then extending their time with our members. The session left a strong impression on many who attended.
The Awards Luncheon was a significant part of Friday’s program. During the lunch, TSEA launched this year’s theme—Cutting the Ribbon on the Next 50 Years—with a special ceremony. Executive Director LaTanya McAdoo led the moment and invited TSEA President Constance Smith-Burwell and TEAM PAC Chair Pat Bowman to the stage to cut the official ribbon. At the same time, each table in the room had its own ribbon, and a member from each table joined in by cutting theirs too. It was a powerful and symbolic way together to mark the beginning of TSEA’s Chapter Project for 2026. Full coverage of all the award recipients and other details will be included in the upcoming co-worker.
As part of a special recognition during the luncheon, TSEA honored three longtime leaders with official resolutions from the Tennessee General Assembly. Former Executive Director Randy Stamps, former Government Affairs Director Terry Carroll, and former Field Representative and past TSEA President Bryan Merritt were all honored and recognized for their lasting contributions to the association.
Later in the day on Friday, chapter leaders participated in officer training. Chapter presidents and vice presidents trained together, while secretaries and treasurers each had their own sessions.
During the TEAM PAC Convention, delegates installed the 2025–2027 TEAM PAC Administrative Committee. Keith A. Brown was elected East Representative, and Josephine Lewis was appointed to fill a West Tennessee vacancy. Former Vice Chair and now Honorary Member Tom Haynes also led attendees in his annual “TSEA and PAC cheers,” a fun tradition where first-time attendees spell out the letters T-S-E-A with their limbs. During a heartfelt moment, Haynes presented TSEA with a special gift of memorabilia from his personal collection, including a flag once flown over the Tennessee State Capitol. Special guest and former Executive Director Randy Stamps was also recognized and shared his thoughts about TEAM, TSEA, and his appreciation for his time with the association, calling it the best part of his career.
After the convention, the TEAM PAC committee held its internal elections for officers. Pat Bowman was re-elected chair, Larry Gallimore was elected vice chair, Tom Osborne re-elected as treasurer and Jackie Coleman-Robinson as secretary.
That evening, members enjoyed social events including music by DJ Tim Clo, games hosted by Lisa Moffett, Bingo with Marcia Ray, and chapter fundraiser drawings that are so popular it was necessary to move the crowd to a larger space in the hotel!
Saturday’s business session brought delegates together for the formal work of the association. Members adopted the 2025–2026 budget, confirmed Dr. Alisa Cade’s appointment to continue serving as the East Tennessee representative on the State Employee Sick Leave Bank Board of Trustees, approved this year’s resolutions handbook, and installed the new 2025-2026 Board of Directors which includes newly elected District 7 Director Rebecca Ann Mathews. Delegates also considered and passed one new resolution, submitted by the Memphis Higher Education Chapter, recommending that TSEA implement alternative dues payment options, such as Auto Pay, as an alternative to payroll deduction. The resolution was recommended for approval by the CB&R Committee and the Board.
Also during the business session, Executive Director McAdoo launched The Chapter Project, a new initiative to document and celebrate the history of every TSEA chapter. Each chapter will receive a dedicated page on the TSEA website, featuring submitted stories, quotes, photos and a short custom video. These materials will also be compiled into a highlight video for the 2026 RA and a printed scrapbook. Instructions for participating will be shared in the next issue of The Co-Worker.
The 2025 Representative Assembly was a powerful reminder of what makes TSEA strong—our members. We came together to do the work, make decisions, and move the association forward. But we also reconnected, recharged, and reminded each other why this community matters. With renewed energy and a clear direction, TSEA is ready for the next 50 years!
