Reflecting on a Legacy: A Tribute to Our Retired Member

MAE is built on connections and relationships. That is how most MAE members became involved and remain involved in the association.

For over 30 years, those relationships have been started, built, and refreshed by one key leader: Teri Rounsaville.

For 32 years, Teri helped to start local chapters, fostered relationships in buildings, and connected people with similar ideas so that we all could. These relationships extended outside the buildings as well. She was on a first-name basis with almost all of the Legislators in her region, whether they liked it or not, and always had a story about them and their behavior at the capital. This was always useful when her members had a concern or there was a friendly/troubling bill that needed attention. I have always referred to Teri as my “MAE mother” because she is the one who got me involved, begrudgingly, years ago, and I think that that term is apt for her role in the North Region and MAE the last 32 years. While her position in MAE can be replaced, her knowledge of the inner workings of individual locals, the history of these locals, and the history of the ebb and flow of the association cannot be replaced. Thank you, Teri, and I hope you enjoy your many years of retirement! God knows you have earned them all.  

Christopher Stevens

NEA Board Member

Mississippi