Page 25 - AASBO EDGE Fall 2023 WEB

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BY DON HARRIS
A Part-Time Job with Full-Time Enjoyment

Don Harris

It’s funny how a job opportunity pops up when you
least expect it – AASBO members know about that.
My son Rob and then-AASBO Executive Director
John Fung were members of the Phoenix Suns
Charity Board, and John told Rob he was looking
for someone to write articles for The Edge. To
which Rob said, “I know just the guy for the job.”
I had retired from a PR position with the state of
Arizona, was working part-time for the Arizona
Capitol Times – and AASBO seemed like a good
fit. That was in 2002, 21 years ago!

"I’ve learned a lot covering the
breakout sessions and writing about
the entertaining, educational and

motivational keynote speakers." covering the breakout sessions and writing about the
entertaining, educational and motivational keynote
speakers.
The first AASBO event I covered what the 49th
Annual Conference and Exposition. The theme was:
A little background – the first time I had my name
“Realizing Your Potential.” How fitting! Among the
on an article I wrote was, get this, in third grade
first articles I wrote for The Edge were interviews
in Chicago. It was a short article in the school
with Tom Peeler, then-Purchasing Director for
paper, Tilton Tips, about what I did playing in my
Mohave Educational Services Cooperative, and
backyard on a Saturday. There were more bylines
Paul Christensen, the Past President.
in high school and college, then in a Chicago daily
newspaper for nearly two decades, followed by The
Over the years at AASBO conferences, I’ve covered
Arizona Republic for 19 years.
such political luminaries as Gov. Janet Napolitano,
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn
So, while I don’t plan to write any more articles
Warner, Gov. Jan Brewer, Gov. Doug Ducey,
for The Edge, I intend to continue tweaking those
former Attorney General Grant Woods, and, of
submitted by AASBO members and supporters.
course, Art Hamilton, who was a most effective
Thanks for all the kindness you have shown me.
and influential House Minority Leader. But the real
stars are the AASBO members and staff who make
the organization the success it is. I’ve learned a lot –30–

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