Farewell for Now

by NSEA Executive Director Trish Guinan

As many of you know, after nearly 50 years in public education and 29 years with NSEA, I will be retiring at the end of December. Saying goodbye after so many years feels impossible, so instead, I’ll say what feels more honest: farewell, but not forever.

Serving this Association has been the honor of my professional life. From my early years as a secondary and college math teacher, to joining NSEA as a field representative in 1996, to leading Member Rights, Advocacy, and ultimately serving as your Executive Director, this work has shaped who I am. It has challenged me, strengthened me and reminded me every day why public education matters.

Something New
I have had the pleasure of seeing many former colleagues enter retirement and, from their continued presence within our Association, I can assure you that my retirement isn’t an ending for my advocacy—it’s simply the start of something new. 

I am looking forward to the chance to be a better family member and friend, mother and wife. I look forward to time spent without an agenda, to showing up more fully for the people I love and to rediscovering who I am outside of deadlines, negotiations and policy briefs.

I want to recognize that I would not be here without the countless mentors, friends and family members who have pushed, pulled and encouraged me along the way. Their guidance steadied me during difficult moments, their confidence lifted me when mine wavered and their support made it possible for me to grow into each new role. Every step of this journey has been shaped by people who believed in me, challenged me and stood beside me, and I am deeply grateful for the part each of them played in getting me here today.

NSEA and the Future
I leave this role with tremendous confidence in the team that will lead NSEA into the future. Beginning Jan. 1, Isau Metes will serve as Executive Director. For those who know Isau—her heart, her integrity, her fierce commitment to educators—you understand why I say this transition gives me complete peace of mind. I worked closely with Isau when she elevated to the role of Advocacy Director, a position I was honored to serve in for 22 years. She served alongside me after being promoted to serve as the associate executive director. I can tell you through this close personal relationship, she will serve our members with vision and strength.

Shauna Benjamin-Brice is stepping into the role of Associate Executive Director, bringing deep experience in human resources, recruitment and leadership.

Together, Isau and Shauna form a team that is thoughtful, capable and prepared to protect public education and to advocate relentlessly for the professionals who make it possible.

All NSEA Members
To our governance leaders, to the Board of Directors and to every member who has stood with us through victories and challenges—you have my gratitude.

Your work, your voice and your belief in this Association have carried us forward year after year.

As I step back, please know that I am not stepping away. NSEA will always have a piece of my heart. I will be cheering you on, celebrating your wins and trusting fully in the future you are building.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you. Thank you for the memories and the friendships. And thank you for the work you do every day to strengthen public education in Nebraska.

This is farewell—but not forever.