Committees
VAISEF committees bring together members who want to strengthen specialized education, share expertise, and support colleagues across Virginia. Committee service offers opportunities to help shape association resources, advocacy, member services, and continuous improvement. Explore the committees below to find a role that fits your interests and availability.
Accreditation and Membership Recruitment Committee
Chair: Robyn Puryear | Vice-Chair: Quadon McCullough
The Accreditation and Membership Recruitment Committee supports the quality and consistency of VAISEF’s accreditation process and helps prospective members understand membership and accreditation requirements. Members review site review reports and findings, identify resources for facilities preparing for accreditation, and make accreditation recommendations to the Board of Directors. The committee also supports outreach to prospective member facilities. This committee is a good fit for leaders and staff interested in standards, compliance, program evaluation, and continuous improvement.
Member time commitment: Service requires a substantial commitment that varies by assignment. Responsibilities may include committee meetings, training, document review, preparation, and reporting. Members assigned to site review teams may also need travel time and one to two full days for a site visit.
Explore Committee
Quality Services Committee
Chair: Bethany Mazurek
The Quality Services Committee promotes quality specialized education and related services through shared expertise, professional learning, and continuous improvement. Members help identify training needs, recommend webinar and conference topics, suggest presenters and practical tools, and encourage facilities to share effective practices. The committee also supports VAISEF’s member outcomes data collection and aggregation efforts to inform improvement and communicate the value of specialized services. Educators, related service providers, and program leaders can contribute their experience without serving as presenters.
Member time commitment: Commitment varies with professional learning projects, resource development, and outcomes data activities. Members should discuss current meeting schedules and assignments with the chair.
Government Affairs Committee
Co-Chairs: Beth Ackerman and Valerie Fleck
The Government Affairs Committee monitors legislation, regulations, and public policy affecting specialized education and VAISEF member facilities. Members share perspectives from their programs, identify emerging concerns, and help develop recommendations for VAISEF’s advocacy priorities. The committee supports coordinated communication with policymakers and partner organizations and helps members understand policy developments and opportunities to participate. Members with an interest in advocacy can contribute without prior legislative experience.
Member time commitment: Approximately 1-3 hours per month, with additional participation possible during the Virginia General Assembly session or periods of significant policy activity.
Health and Safety Committee
Chair: Sarah Headley-Boyd
The Health and Safety Committee helps member facilities strengthen practices that support student and staff health, safety, and well-being. Members review relevant regulations, recommend resources and risk management practices, and identify training needs related to emergency preparedness, medication administration, and safe operations. The committee also oversees the quality, accuracy, and currency of VAISEF’s Medication Administration Training for Youth program. Nurses, health professionals, administrators, and staff with safety responsibilities can contribute relevant expertise.
Member time commitment: Approximately 1-2 hours per month for general committee participation. Training responsibilities, curriculum review, or special projects may require additional time.
Membership Services Committee
Chair: Tamara Johnston
The Membership Services Committee strengthens connections among VAISEF members and helps ensure that membership reflects their needs. Members support outreach, welcome new members, gather feedback, and recommend networking opportunities and practical resources. The committee collaborates with other committees when member needs involve professional learning, accreditation, or association services. It is a good fit for people who enjoy building relationships and helping colleagues connect with useful opportunities.
Member time commitment: Approximately 1-2 hours per month, with occasional additional time for outreach, networking activities, or specific projects.
Ways and Means Committee
Chair: Jim McGee, Ed.S.
The Ways and Means Committee supports VAISEF’s financial sustainability by reviewing financial priorities and recommending ways to support association operations and member services. Members may help evaluate budgets, dues and fees, sponsorships, fundraising opportunities, and event finances as assigned. The committee brings recommendations through VAISEF’s established leadership and Board approval processes. It is a good fit for members interested in budgeting, financial planning, and responsible stewardship of association resources.
Member time commitment: Approximately 1-3 hours per month, with additional time possible during budget planning, sponsorship development, or major association events.
Information Technology Committee
Committee contact: Nathan Mosier
The Information Technology Committee identifies ways technology can improve VAISEF’s operations, member communication, and access to resources. Members help identify technology needs and recommend improvements to the website, online forms, digital tools, and everyday processes. The committee may also share resources on accessibility, information security, and responsible technology use. Both technology professionals and members who can offer an everyday user’s perspective can contribute.
Member time commitment: Approximately 1-2 hours per month, with additional time possible for specific technology projects or implementation needs.
Joining a Committee
To learn more or express interest, email [email protected] with your name, facility or organization, committee of interest, and a brief note about your experience and availability. Time commitments are estimates and may vary with committee priorities and assignments. Confirm the current schedule and role expectations with the committee chair or contact before joining.