Blog
TAGT Announces Departure of Executive Director
- By: TXGifted
- On: 02/01/2017 17:02:53
- In: Announcements
TAGT Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Executive Director, JJ Colburn, CAE.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – February 1, 2017 - The Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented (TAGT) Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Executive Director, JJ Colburn, CAE. He will assume the role of President and Partner with Strategic Association Management (SAM), an association management company based in Austin. In this position, he will provide SAM clients with executive leadership and strategic counsel, mentor staff and help to grow business opportunities. Colburn will remain at TAGT through March to support the association during this transition.
“TAGT members work every day to make the world a better place for gifted and talented students and their passion for gifted education has inspired and motivated me over the last six years. As a result, I will always be a champion for the TAGT mission,” Colburn stated. “Interestingly, the TAGT theme this past year was ‘Next Level'. I am honored to have had the opportunity to contribute in any small way to TAGT reaching the next level. Conversely, I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to grow professionally and personally with TAGT. I know that I will draw on my experiences as I continue to serve mission-driven organizations in a challenging and unique way.”
On the timing of his departure, Colburn offered, “It's always difficult to make a decision like this, however, I am extremely proud of all we've accomplished together with the support of volunteer leadership and staff. I am confident that TAGT is positioned to maintain its strength and relevance in the Texas education community because of its outstanding Board of Directors, dedicated members, solid infrastructure, effective programming and talented staff team.”
Colburn was named TAGT Executive Director in November 2010. During his tenure, he facilitated several transformative changes for the country's largest state gifted organization. This includes the implementation of an association rebrand, a governance restructure and the development of a new online training program, TAGT On Demand. Additionally, under his leadership, TAGT was instrumental in statewide policy efforts affecting gifted education, established new partnerships and significantly improved resources and programs for members.
The TAGT Board of Directors approved the immediate formation of a Search Committee, chaired by Board President, Priscilla Lurz, M.Ed., to identify the next staff leader for the association. The position notice will soon be posted to appropriate media.
“JJ came to TAGT with a high level of enthusiasm and professionalism. Over the years, I have had the privilege of observing his continued momentum of extraordinary commitment and performance resulting in strengthening our organization's mission. Today our members have more innovative ways to connect and engage with one another, which truly does empower us all to meet the unique needs of gifted and talented students throughout Texas,” said Lurz.
On Colburn's leadership, Lurz continued, “A quote from writer and leadership speaker, Robin S. Sharma, describes JJ's efforts: ‘Leadership is not about a title or designation. It's about impact, influence, and inspiration.' While we will miss his effective leadership, I am so grateful for his time with TAGT. Join me in wishing him much success as he continues to impact those he serves through his career.”
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