[newtitle type=”text” value=”Bert Marley” size=”h3″ color=”#666666″ icon=”” align=”center” bg_color=”#ffffff” line_color=”#e8e8e8″]
A lifelong advocate for teachers and public education in Idaho, Bert Marley retired from his post as the IEA’s Director of Public Policy at the end of August. Bert was very influential in working with the legislature and other government officials on behalf of the IEA. His understated, can-do approach earned him respect with a wide variety of constituencies and enabled him to lobby effectively across party lines.
Bert enriched the lives of countless students after he found his calling as a teacher. He was a mainstay for many years in classrooms at Marsh Valley High School, teaching German, World History, Mythology and other subjects. Many of his former students have credited him with sparking their curiosity and thirst for knowledge.
As much as he loved the classroom, Bert realized that he could have a broader impact on people’s lives as an elected official, so he embarked on the next phase of his public service career. He served as a legislator for district 33 from 1998-2001, and as a state senator from 2001-2006. He also ran for Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2006
Bert’s contributions to the IEA and the state of Idaho are invaluable. He and his wife Michelle are returning to their homestead in McCammon, and have made no plans for the immediate future other than to relax and regroup for a few months. Bert has pledged to remain active and involved in education issues. Friends and colleagues recently honored Bert at the IEA’s Summer Organizing Institute in Jackpot and at a ceremony in Boise.
[newtitle type=”text” value=”Patti Roberts” size=”h3″ color=”#666666″ icon=”” align=”center” bg_color=”#ffffff” line_color=”#e8e8e8″]
Patti has retired after 30 years of service with the Idaho Education Association. Patti spent all of her time with the IEA working with and for the members of Region 2. When she initially joined the IEA, Patti served as the Region 2 Associate. In 2004, when Patti’s mentor and friend Marcia Banta retired from her position as the Region 2 Director, Patti ably stepped forward to guide Region 2 for the remaining years of her service.
In her letter announcing her retirement, Patti wrote, “For 30 years, I have witnessed this organization stand up for what is right. Together, we have forged a legacy of support for human and civil rights in Idaho. We have fought and won many battles…. I relish the relationships I have developed over the years with both staff and members. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and that will help sustain me as I start my new journey in life.”
The IEA honored Patti for her many years of service earlier this summer with a luau-themed party, attended by family, former colleagues, and other long-time friends and associates.
Leeann Turano. After three years as the Region Director for Region 1, Leeann has stepped down to pursue another opportunity in Washington state. She did valuable work for the 12 districts in the region in the areas of bargaining, organizing, training and more. In her letter of resignation, Leeann stated. “No matter where I am in the world, I will always be rooting for and pulling for the Idaho Education Association, for this association will always be near and dear to my heart.”
[newtitle type=”text” value=”Les Hall” size=”h3″ color=”#666666″ icon=”” align=”center” bg_color=”#ffffff” line_color=”#e8e8e8″]
For many years, Les Hall was a fixture in public education circles in Idaho and Washington. He passed away at the age of 64 on August 23, 2013, after a three year battle with cancer.
Les began his teaching career in Washington, where he was very active with the Washington Education Association. He moved to Boise in 1996 to serve as the IEA’s Region 3 Director, and later headed up Regions 1 and 8. Les retired in 2009. Among his most notable accomplishments was the founding of the Collaborative Assistance for Professional Educators (CAPE) program.
The passion, sense of humor and collaborative spirit that Les brought to his life and his work will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Diane, and his two sons, Rich and Ryan.
[newtitle type=”text” value=”Jason McKinley” size=”h3″ color=”#666666″ icon=”” align=”center” bg_color=”#ffffff” line_color=”#e8e8e8″]
Jason has rejoined the IEA staff as the Region 2 Director.
He had previously served as the IEA’s Director of Government Relations from 2000-2003 before leaving to assist with his family’s business.
Jason taught English for sevens year at Potlatch High School and had an active leadership role at the local district level.
He and his family live in Lewiston.
[newtitle type=”text” value=”Matt Compton” size=”h3″ color=”#666666″ icon=”” align=”center” bg_color=”#ffffff” line_color=”#e8e8e8″]
Joining the Idaho Education Association in September as the new Director of Public Policy, Matt Compton brings with him extensive campaign and lobbying experience. An Idaho native, Matt graduated from the Meridian School District and Boise State University. He later earned a Master’s degree from Humboldt State University.
Matt worked diligently with the IEA on the “Yes on One” campaign for the November 2006 election, and has extensive experience in political campaigns, organizing, fundraising and public relations. He has also served as a lobbyist for the Idaho Sportsman’s Caucus since 2006.
[newtitle type=”text” value=”Dave Harbison” size=”h3″ color=”#666666″ icon=”” align=”center” bg_color=”#ffffff” line_color=”#e8e8e8″]
Dave has joined the IEA as Communications Director, with responsibilities including working with reporters and media outlets, managing the association’s social media platforms, creating multi-media content, overseeing publication of the IEA Reporter, and serving as a resource for local associations in their communications efforts.
Dave previously worked as a Strategic Communications Associate for Scott Peyron & Associates, and in the Office of Communications and Marketing at Boise State University. He also has an extensive background as a radio and TV reporter/announcer, including work for KBOI and KTIK radio in Boise, The Mtn, WAC Sports Network, and numerous other stations and networks.
