Looking back at the 2025 TASBO Engage Conference in Austin. We'll see you next year in Grapevine, February 23-27, 2026!
More than 4,000 attendees and exhibitors traveled to Austin for the 2025 TASBO Engage Conference in February. The conference included three days of courses and two days of exhibiting and breakout learning sessions. It was TASBO's first annual conference in Austin since 2017.
"The TASBO Engage Conference is by far our biggest event," said TASBO Executive Director Tracy Ginsburg. "At this event, we bring seasoned experts to our members and provide a space where they can learn, connect, and grow."
Here's a recap of one exciting week (scroll all the way down for videos):
Monday & Tuesday
We offered almost 100 professional certification courses to thousands of registrants over two days (and 31 more courses on Friday). Special thanks to the instructors, volunteers, and staff who helped make this possible. We then opened the TASBO Expo Tuesday afternoon for the Sneak Preview Party. Be sure to thank all of the sponsors and exhibitors (click and scroll down), who made this a great experience. We also introduced the Canine Cuddle Corner in the Lounge!
Wednesday
We introduced the inaugural SBO Day, which celebrates school business and operations teams in Texas public education. During the First General Session, we invited the Dripping Springs High School Drumline to lead our board of directors into the hall. The session closed with enlightening keynote speaker Crystal Washington, who shared insights on how to "Future-Proof" yourself.
We offered more than 140 learning sessions during Wednesday and Thursday. In addition, we offered sessions in the Engagement Classroom located in TASBO Expo. Attendees also enjoyed lunch at TASBO Expo and met with exhibitors.
That evening we honored Award of Merit and Award of Excellence teams in a reception at the Hilton Austin. Then we hosted the Wednesday Evening Celebration back in the Convention Center.
Thursday
At the Awards Luncheon & Closing General Session, we honored our RISE Recipients, our new Ambassador Recipients, and celebrated the achievements of our Legacy Award recipient - TASBO's own retiring Deputy Executive Director Becky Bunte. The closing speaker, Dr. Rick Rigsby, inspired members by advising attendees how to make an impact and leave behind their own legacy.
It was a memorable conference to be sure. Below are some additional highlights:
>RISE Recipients
Adam Stearns, RTSBA, Director of Purchasing | Klein ISD
Frank Milton, RTSBA, Executive Director, Nutrition Services Compliance & Accountability | Houston ISD
Haydee Peña, RTSBA, Executive Director Procurement & School Resources | El Paso ISD
Lee Snodgrass, RTSBA, Assistant Superintendent of Operations | Bridgeport ISD
Luke Ocker, Chief Financial Officer | Jacksonville ISD
Dr. Thomas Lawing, RTSBA, Chief Operating Officer | Beeville ISD
Tucker Durham, RTSBA, Chief Financial Officer | Midland ISD
William Poage, CTSBS, Executive Director of Business Services | Little Elm ISD
>Ambassador Recipients (NEW Award that recognizes individual greatness and contributions to the profession)
Brandy Burnett, CTSBO, Director of Human Resources | Liberty-Eylau ISD
Jamey Hynds, RTSBA, Assistant Superintendent of Finance | Katy ISD
Jorgannie Garza Carter, RTSBA, Chief of Finance and Business Services | Region 4 ESC
Karen Holyfield, CTSBS, PEIMS Director & Skyward SIS Specialist | Gilmer ISD
Kevin Wieghat, RTSBA, Director of Maintenance | Klein ISD
Kimberly Domke, RTSBA, PEIMS Manager | Arlington ISD
Yvonne Johnson, RTSBA, Chief Financial Officer | Crosby ISD
>Board Election Results (Meet the 2025-26 Board of Directors)
Vice President
Byron Bryant, RTSBA, CPA, Chief Financial Officer | Royse City ISD
Directors
Daniel West, CPA, CTSBO, Chief Financial Officer | Amarillo ISD
Derek Gillard, RTSBA, Executive Director of Business Services
Lori Vechione, RTSBA, Director of Purchasing | Keller ISD
