Recognition of Executive Director Emerita Sheri Spaine Long

During the 105th AATSP Annual Conference in Salamanca, Spain the outgoing Executive Director, Sheri Spaine Long, was honored by colleagues for her service to the AATSP. Below are links to materials used during the ceremony.

Introduction from Mark Del Mastro:

"As many are aware, this 105th annual AATSP conference in Salamanca will be Sheri Spaine-Long’s last as our Executive Director. Ask an AATSP friend, partner or member how they might best characterize Sheri’s work over the years, and you will hear repeatedly the terms “mentor,” “supportive,” “generous,” “transformative,” “gran ejemplo,” “impactful,” “kind,” “friend,” “leader,” “courageous,” “visionary,” “compassionate,” “inspirational,” “collaborative,” “educator,” “editor,” “inclusive,” and “partner,” among many others.

Of these descriptors, in my view, 2 are the most encompassing: “collaborative” and “partner.” Recognizing that cultivating collaborative relationships and meaningful partnerships is in the best interest of all parties involved, Sheri has built upon the fine work of her predecessors by ensuring that the AATSP remains strong and relevant by working diligently with colleagues and entities that share our association’s values and mission. Finally, and to highlight one more descriptor, Sheri is courageous.

Those of us who cautiously yet wantingly attended the 2021 conference in Atlanta while the global pandemic was still unpredictable witnessed a return to normalcy as attendees savored in-person sessions, reunions with old friends and colleagues, and became re-engaged with professional development. This was because of Sheri’s leadership. When conferences were refusing to return in person due to risks, Sheri said “sí se puede,” and we did indeed. As Sheri prepares for this next phase in her personal and professional life, please join me on behalf of our beloved AATSP with expressing our profound appreciation for all she has done for our members, our partners, our friends, and our organization"

Please click here to view the Shutterfly created and presented at the ceremony.

Please click here to view a slideshow of pictures from the ceremony.