A message from the President……
October 14, 2026
Dear NAEOP Members,
Fall is such a beautiful season of change, reflection, and preparation for what lies ahead. As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold before gently falling to the ground, I hope you will take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the season and the changes taking place around you.
As we continue through the 2026–2027 year, I am excited to see so many members stepping forward to serve on our committees. Your willingness to share your time, talents, and ideas is truly appreciated. I encourage each of you to get actively involved, share your voice, and work together to strengthen our organization. Every member brings something valuable to the table, and together we can continue building an association that supports and celebrates educational office professionals. Please watch your inbox for a message from your committee chair. I look forward to seeing all we accomplish together!
If you were unable to sign up for a committee, please remember there are still many ways to become involved throughout the year. NAEOP offers professional development opportunities, book clubs, educational programs, and other activities which provide opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with fellow members.
Another wonderful way to support our association is by participating in our “A Blend Above” fundraiser! This fundraiser helps raise funds to support professional development opportunities at our July Conference. Whether you make a purchase or share the fundraiser with family and friends, your support can make a meaningful difference. And what better time of year to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee than fall?
Support NAEOP's “A Blend Above” Fundraiser!
Click Here to Support Our NAEOP Fundraiser
I encourage you to explore these opportunities and discover ways to make the most of your NAEOP membership. There is a place for everyone in NAEOP, and every contribution, big or small, makes a difference!
Looking Ahead
Our November Mid-Year Board of Directors Meeting is quickly approaching. We will gather on November 7 and 8 to discuss important association business, exchange ideas, and make decisions which will help guide NAEOP into the future. All members are encouraged to attend, either virtually or in person.
In my November President's Message, I will share highlights from the meeting, including important discussions, decisions, and updates to keep everyone informed about the work being done on behalf of our association.
As your President, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside so many dedicated and talented individuals. Your time, energy, and commitment are what make NAEOP such a special organization. Whether you serve on a committee, participate in professional development, encourage a fellow member, or simply share your enthusiasm for NAEOP, you are helping build a stronger future for our association.
As we enjoy this beautiful season, I wish each of you a fall filled with friendship, encouragement, gratitude, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. I hope you find a little time to slow down, slip into your favorite cozy flannel shirt, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and enjoy a cup of your favorite fall coffee (perhaps from our NAEOP fundraiser!) while relaxing by the fire.
Most importantly, take a little time for yourself to relax, recharge, and enjoy the simple pleasures that make this season so special.
With appreciation and warmest regards,
Marie Freeman, CEOE
National Association of Educational Office Professionals
President 2026-27
Marie Freeman, CEOE
National Association of Educational Office Professionals
President 2026-27
September 15, 2026
Hello, NAEOP Members!
As we continue through the 2026–27 year, I keep returning to this year’s theme, “Rooted in NAEOP.” Like a strong Tree of Life, our association continues to grow because of the roots planted by those who came before us and the members who strengthen NAEOP today.
Our theme reminds us that every part of NAEOP plays an important role in helping our association grow. Our roots represent our history and foundation; our trunk reflects the strength of our association; and our branches represent each of you—our members, affiliates, councils, committees, and leaders—reaching out, growing, and supporting one another.
This same spirit of growth continues through five upcoming professional development conferences in Ohio, Maine, New York, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania. These opportunities allow us to strengthen our professional roots, branch out through new connections, and continue growing in our careers.
Additional details about each conference and the opportunities they offer are available on the NAEOP website.
Professional Development
🌿 Growing Through Professional Development
Please keep your eyes open for information about upcoming opportunities. Click on the link below for the most current: Leadership Lab
🌳 Our Board — Working from Strong Roots
The Board is currently gathering discussion items for our Midyear Meeting, which will be held November 7–8.
Members will be able to view the meeting agenda seven days before the meeting. A virtual attendance link will also be provided for those who would like to attend the Board meeting online.
Just as the roots of a tree work together to provide strength and stability, your NAEOP Board works together to keep our association strong. Attending the meeting is a meaningful opportunity to see the Board at work, learn more about how we serve our membership, and better understand how we continue working together to help NAEOP flourish.
🌱 Grow With Us — Join a Committee!
One of the best ways to become more deeply rooted in NAEOP is to get involved. Our committees are an essential part of our association and give members meaningful opportunities to share their talents, ideas, and experiences while supporting NAEOP’s work in important ways.
If you are ready to branch out and make a difference, click the link below to join today:
NAEOP Standing Committees — National Association for Educational Office Professionals 🌿
The deadline to join a committee is October 1!
🌿Branching Out to Hampton, VA in 2027
Our Conference Committee is planning an unforgettable NAEOP Conference filled with engaging, knowledge-based topics you won’t want to miss. We are excited to announce that the conference will begin on Sunday, July 11, with a fantastic kickoff and continue through Wednesday, July 14, giving you four full days of learning and connection.
Our annual conference is where so many of our NAEOP branches come together. It is a time to reconnect with longtime friends, welcome new members, grow professionally, exchange ideas, and strengthen the relationships that make our association special.
Each month, I will share something new about the conference as we count down to July 11–14, 2027. Start planning now to join us!
I hope each of you will continue to find meaningful ways to become more deeply rooted in NAEOP. Every member adds another branch to our Tree of Life, strengthening our association and helping NAEOP continue to flourish.
Together, we continue to grow stronger—rooted in our shared purpose, connected through service, and inspired by the work we do for one another.
Marie Freeman, CEOE
National Association of Educational Office Professionals
President 2026-27
August 1, 2026
Hello NAEOP Members,
Welcome to the 2026–27 NAEOP Year! I am thrilled to begin this journey with you and honored to serve as your President. This year holds incredible promise, and I am excited to be leading a truly wonderful team as your Board of Directors.
I chose the theme for this year as “Rooted in NAEOP”. It reflects the strength, stability, and growth of our association. Like the Tree of Life, our roots symbolize the history, dedication, and foundational values that keep us grounded. The branches and leaves represent our ongoing growth — the learning, leadership, and professional development that continue to expand and flourish. Together, we form a thriving, interconnected community where every member contributes to the health and vitality of the whole.
"Leadership is rooted not in power and authority, but in relationship."
— Robin Wall Kimmerer
At our first meeting together in Portland, OR during the Annual Conference, your NAEOP board came together for a powerful four‑hour session filled with collaboration, energy, and shared purpose. The ideas, passion, and teamwork in the room were inspiring. Together, we established several goals which will guide our work and strengthen NAEOP throughout the year:
• Engaging the NAEOP community through clear, positive communication; trust and collaboration; and transparent information‑sharing from the Board to members.
• Providing engaging professional development in multiple formats to meet the diverse needs of our membership.
• Building intentional relationships; actively promoting NAEOP; and offering meaningful outreach which supports both new and returning members.
One significant change approved by the board: The expanded schedule for our 2027 conference. To further enhance your professional development experience, we will use all four days—Sunday through Wednesday—with the conference officially kicking off on Sunday morning. Additional details will be shared as they become available.
Looking forward to an amazing year with each of you.
Marie Freeman, CEOE
National Association of Educational Office Professionals
President 2026-27
"Leadership is rooted not in power and authority, but in relationship."
— Robin Wall Kimmerer