The Board of Directors meets every two months to receive updates from committees/ officers and discuss association matters. In addition to the discussion and updates on Arkansas State Championship, the new Junior High Regional Championship, the 2026-2027 tournament calendar and the Discipline Representative Elections, the following outlines updates from the Board’s May 3 meeting.

Leadership Transition

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, ahead of the Arkansas State Championship, incoming president Laurie Harrison resigned from her role and the Board of Directors. 

On behalf of the entire ACTAA Board, Leadership wants to publicly thank Laurie for her years of dedicated service and leadership. While we are saddened to receive Laurie's resignation, we think we can speak for the everyone in writing, we fully support her decision to focus on her family during this season.

Laurie's impact on ACTAA's Board has been profound. From her thoughtful planning of conferences to her steady leadership on the board, she helped shape this organization in meaningful and lasting ways. Laurie has consistently brought compassion, intention, and a commitment to positive change, strengthening both our work and our community.

Laurie will be deeply missed in leadership as we move into the next season of the association. At the same time, we are incredibly grateful for all that she has contributed and for the example she has set.

At the time of her resignation, ACTAA Leadership agreed to not make leadership changes, as scheduled, during the Arkansas State Championship, April 17-18, and until the Board of Directors May 3 meeting. 

At the meeting, and after deep discussion, the Board approved by unanimous consent to appoint outgoing President Zackery Tucker to fill the vacancy left by Harrison. The idea was proposed by 1st Vice President Jessica Skordal and supported by 2nd Vice President Antha Johnson. As a result of this appointment, Skordal will remain 1st Vice President, Johnson will remain 2nd Vice President, and Rosie Valdez Block will remain Past President for their respective two-year terms. 

Summer Workshop

The board approved this year’s summer workshop to be held July 12-14, 2026, at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock. Antha Johnson is planning this meeting, as 2nd Vice President.

Fall Conference

The board approved this year’s summer workshop to be held Sep 3-5, 2026, on the campus of Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville. Next year’s Fall Conference will be Sep 2-4, 2027. Jessica is planning both of these meetings, as 1st Vice President. 

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