PRESENTERS

BARBARA HUNTER, APR
Executive Director, National School Public Relations Association
Keynote: Leadership Lessons from the Frontlines of School Communications

Barbara will share lessons in leadership from the last 30 years during the best and worst of times in school communications. Learn  ways to embrace your doubts and define your success. And find out how to use these lessons to reflect on and guide your own leadership journey.

ABOUT BARBARA: Barbara M. Hunter, APR, became the executive director of the National School Public Relations Association in November 2020. Prior to joining NSPRA, she spent five years as the president/CEO of Hunter Communications LLC, based in Alexandria, Virginia. She also spent 14 years as the chief communications officer in two school districts in Northern Virginia—Alexandria City Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools, the 10th largest in the nation. She started her career in school communications at AASA, the School Superintendents Association, as editor of The School Administrator magazine. Barbara also served as the director of communications for the National School Boards Association.

Under her leadership and with a phenomenal staff, NSPRA has increased its membership by 60 percent, which now stands at nearly 3,000. NSPRA has also increased its Seminar attendance by nearly 40 percent with a record-breaking in-person attendance in 2023 of more than 1,500. Barbara was the inspiration behind and a primary contributor to NSPRA’s Rubrics of Practice and Suggested Measures, which now serves as the standard for evaluating school communication programs. She has earned dozens of awards and national recognition, including a Silver Anvil Award of Excellence from the Public Relations Society of America and a Gold Medallion from NSPRA for a community engagement campaign on changing school start times. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and management from Hood College and a master’s degree in public relations management from The American University. In addition, she holds accreditation in public relations (APR) and has served as the NSPRA Mideast Region vice president as well as president of the Chesapeake chapter of NSPRA.

DIRK TEDMON, APR
2024 National School Communicator of the Year
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, Eden Prairie Schools
Keynote: Your Story is Your Superpower

In our role as school communicators, we often get consumed in telling the stories of others. However, our personal stories are not just reflections of our past — they are the keys that unlock our ability to more authentically, empathetically and deeply connect with others. Knowing and owning your story can make you a more effective communicator and enhances your ability to engage and inspire. As you seek to do work that is meaningful and impactful, uncover how your story is your superpower.

MARNIE COOKE
Director of Communications, Noblesville Community School Corporation
Session: More than Merch

Branded spirit wear and promotional products are powerful ways to engage your community, generate revenue for your district and build your brand. Learn how to move the needle from an unmanaged area of your business to a strategic promotional products system that increases brand consistency, community access and revenue. Marnie has built a successful, unique promotional program and will share what you need to know in order to create this for your district.

KRISTA STOCKMAN
Director of Communications, Ft. Wayne Community School Corporation
Session: Running Referendum campaigns

Referendums – who needs them? Probably your district. If you haven’t had a referendum yet, there is likely one on the horizon. Hear about the dos and don’ts of running a referendum; best practices and practices to avoid; and how to stay sane throughout the process (is that possible?). Krista Stockman, APR, Director of Communication & Marketing for Fort Wayne Community Schools will share what she has learned from her district’s four successful referendums over 11 years.