Hello PenSPRA friends! 

I’m Jenn Shealy, your newest PenSPRA Board President, and this year I hope to nurture connections across our membership, provide meaningful resources and learning opportunities, and continue to advocate for the vital role that communication plays in education. 

A Little About Me 

I’ve served as the director of communications for Downingtown Area School District since 2019 and spent nine years in communications at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). I hold a master’s in communications from Drexel University and a bachelor’s in neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh. 

I live in Glenmoore, PA, with my husband, our daughter Nora (10), son Connor (6), and our newest, furriest family member, a puppy named Cooper. Outside of work, I enjoy singing, binge-watching Netflix, and spending time with friends and family. 

Last year, I opened up in a PenSPRA newsletter about my battle with imposter syndrome. While I’d love to say I’ve completely conquered it, the truth is, it still shows up (whoever feels 100% ready to be “president” of anything?). But here I am. And if I can take the leap, so can you. Joining the PenSPRA Board isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, learning, and being part of an incredible team that lifts each other up. 

With a few newly opened positions on the board, I’d like to share… 

Why you (yes, YOU) should consider joining the board. 

If you’ve ever thought about stepping into a leadership role within the PenSPRA Board, let me reassure you, it’s one of the most rewarding professional experiences you can have. 

Here’s why: 

• You don’t carry the load alone. Thanks to our partnership with CCIU, many heavy lifts (newsletters, contests, symposium planning, social media, and graphic design) are handled by their expert team, letting board members focus on the strategic (and FUN!) parts of leadership. 

• You’ll be surrounded by inspiring people. Serving on the board means working with some of the best communication leaders in Pennsylvania. Every meeting, whether in person or on Zoom, brings new ideas, encouragement, and plenty of laughs. 

• Opportunities abound. Depending on your role, you could find yourself traveling, meeting other communication leaders across the state (and even beyond), and learning the latest tools, tips, and trends in school communications. 
  

• It’s a feather in your professional cap. Let’s be honest, those of us in school communications are usually so busy making sure our districts shine that our own work can sometimes go unnoticed. Serving on the board of a respected, statewide organization not only builds your resume, but it also shows your superintendent and school board that you’re a recognized leader in the field.
  

• The people. The members of PenSPRA and its board are, to me, the biggest selling point. Everyone you’ll work with is supportive, encouraging, and just genuinely nice. It’s a group where you’ll feel welcomed, understood, and appreciated from day one. 

Interested? The following positions are currently open: 

• Communications Contest Chair

• Member at Large (2) 

Final Thought 

I know how busy everyone in school communications is. There is never a shortage of projects, deadlines, or “surprises” that land on our desks. But I can say from personal experience that serving on the PenSPRA board is worth carving out the time. The connections, the learning, and the sense of belonging to something bigger than your own district all make it an experience you won’t regret. 

If you would like to join the PenSPRA Board, or learn more about the opportunities, email me at jshealy@dasd.org by October 8, 2025.  

I’m looking forward to this year and to working alongside so many of you. Happy new school year!