A message from the President……

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