IASPA Award Winners

Our honoree exemplifies the very highest standard of leadership through a thoughtful, ethical, and deeply human approach to K–12 human resources. He leads with integrity and intentionality, consistently modeling fairness, respect, and reliability. Those who work alongside him describe a professional climate that balances operational excellence with genuine care for people.

Within his organization, mentoring is not a program—it is a practice. He has intentionally embedded structures that support both new and experienced employees, helping them see human resources not simply as compliance work, but as a relational practice rooted in trust, growth, and empowerment. His work around inclusive hiring, retention, and belonging has strengthened culture and reinforced the idea that people thrive when they feel supported and seen.

Beyond his organization, his impact extends statewide through IASPA and his mentorship of fellow K–12 HR leaders. In a profession that can often feel isolating, he has become a steady and reassuring presence. He is the colleague people call when they need clarity, perspective, or reassurance—someone who listens deeply, advises thoughtfully, and models reflective decision-making in complex moments.

What truly distinguishes him is how generously he shares his knowledge. He actively connects professionals across districts, translates complex issues into practical guidance, and challenges emerging leaders to lead with both empathy and accountability. His mentees consistently describe him as patient, candid, and deeply invested in their success.

His mentoring legacy is measured not by titles or recognition, but by the confidence, growth, and ethical leadership of those he has supported. He exemplifies servant leadership in its truest form.

This year’s honoree is the epitome of leadership in the world of mentorship. She has formally mentored multiple individuals and has dedicated countless hours to providing guidance, leadership, and support through her work on numerous IASPA committees. Her mentorship empowers others to succeed, and she consistently offers feedback that is honest, ethical, and grounded in what is best for both individuals and the profession.

While there may not be a formal IASPA mentorship program for support staff roles, she has organically built one through her presence and commitment. Through IASPA, she has fostered meaningful mentoring relationships and is widely recognized as a trusted leader, model, and resource. She actively encourages others to join IASPA, participate fully, and step into leadership opportunities, helping to strengthen our association from within.

Her commitment to growth extends beyond mentoring others. She is deeply invested in her own professional learning—seeking out conferences, webinars, and training to stay current on best practices, new laws, and operational efficiencies. Just as importantly, she shares that knowledge freely, understanding the power of collaboration and collective expertise. Districts across the state regularly seek her guidance, and her active involvement in professional networks further reflects her dedication to the HR community.

Internally, she serves as a mentor who ensures others feel supported, confident, and valued. Much of her mentoring happens quietly and without recognition—but its impact is undeniable.
This award is a meaningful way to say: your work is seen, your influence matters, and you are making a difference.

This year’s honoree has served his school community with distinction for more than two decades, building a career rooted in dedication to students, staff, and organizational culture. His professional journey—from classroom teacher, to principal, and now Assistant Superintendent of Personnel—reflects a deep commitment to people-centered leadership and continuous growth.

In his current role, he has quickly emerged as a thoughtful and innovative HR leader. He approaches personnel work with a collaborative mindset, prioritizing communication, engagement, and recognition. His development of the Porter Professionalism framework and the Super Staff recognition program demonstrates how HR initiatives can be intentionally aligned with district values. These efforts have strengthened morale, elevated professional expectations, and reinforced a culture of appreciation and belonging.

Beyond his district, he is an engaged and active member of both IASPA and AASPA. He participates meaningfully in conferences, HR Essentials sessions, and regional networking opportunities, consistently sharing ideas while seeking out new learning to bring back to his community. His engagement is not passive—he listens, contributes, and builds connections that strengthen the profession.

In a short time, he has become a respected new voice in Illinois school personnel administration. Colleagues describe him as authentic, reflective, and grounded in service. His leadership is marked by empathy, integrity, and a genuine belief in the potential of people.

He exemplifies what the IASPA New Member Award represents: emerging leadership, meaningful impact, and a bright future for our profession.

This year’s honoree exemplifies the very highest standard of legal leadership in education. Her work reflects deep expertise, ethical clarity, and an unwavering commitment to students, staff, and school communities. Time and again, she has guided districts through extraordinarily complex and high-stakes situations with calm, precision, and care.

One of the most defining examples of her impact was her leadership during an unprecedented and highly sensitive cooperative reorganization effort—work so complex that without her guidance, the cooperative itself may not exist today. She skillfully navigated diverse district needs, competing perspectives, and significant legal challenges, bringing stakeholders together to identify viable, collaborative solutions. Her credibility, strategic insight, and steady leadership were instrumental in achieving outcomes that strengthened governance, financial stability, and mission alignment.

Within districts she serves, she is a deeply trusted advisor—often the first call when matters involve potential litigation, media attention, or highly sensitive employee investigations. Her counsel is consistently sound, ethical, and strategic, and she responds with urgency, clarity, and compassion. She centers both organizational responsibility and student well-being in every recommendation.

Beyond her legal practice, she is a longtime contributor to IASPA, presenting regularly at conferences and making complex legal topics accessible through her engaging, approachable style. She has co-presented legislative updates with the award’s namesake, served on statewide task forces by gubernatorial appointment, and quietly provides pro bono legal services to underserved communities.

She is a true partner, a thought leader, and a steadfast advocate for schools.

North Shore District 112
Dr. Michael Rodrigo and Ben Finfer