Staff and Consultants
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Dr. Sherri Smith- Executive Director Sherri joined the staff in May 2022 as PASA's Director of Professional Development. Prior to her time at PASA, she served as Deputy Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. She also led Lower Dauphin School District for 14 years as superintendent. In addition, Sherri served as PASA President in 2014-15 and as a member of the Board of Governors. Sherri was the recipient of the Leadership in Public Education Award in 2017, one of the PASA Awards of Achievement. Contact for: Association positions and advocacy, general education issues, sponsorship and association matters, member services​ |
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Dr. Michele Balliet- Director of Professional Development Michele joined the PASA team in October 2022 as the Director of Professional Development. Prior to her role at PASA, Michele led the Elizabethtown Area School District as the superintendent for 11 years where she was a strong advocate for the needs of students and staff. Having served in schools and educational entities for over 32 years, her passion for learning and public education continues to motivate her. Michele graduated from Drexel University earning a doctorate in education, as well as a masters degree from Pennsylvania State University and undergraduate degree from Kutztown University. When not leading and learning, Michele loves spending time with family and friends, walking her two dogs, going to the beach, traveling and reading. Contact for: Professional Learning and networking opportunities, customized workshops for both in person and online learning; liaison for PASA Committees of Professional Development and Innovative Teaching and Learning |
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Adam Kulikowski - Director of Communications Adam joined the PASA team in June 2022 after a 14-year tenure as Communications Director at the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. He’s an experienced communications strategist with a strong background content creation and design. He also founded and operates 4thdownmagazine.com, a website dedicated to high school football coverage in the Central PA area. Adam is a proud graduate of Shippensburg University (’07) where he studied Communications/Journalism and served as Editor-in-Chief of the student-run newspaper, The Slate. When he’s not working, he enjoys teaching his Goldendoodle Roosevelt new tricks to bamboozle his loving wife, sim racing, lamenting the ups-and-downs of the Phillies and Eagles and spending time with family and friends. Contact for: Legislative Committee minutes, website updates, newsletter and publication information, PASA Awards program details, E-Updates, and communications strategy questions |
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Aubrey Kyler- Professional Development Administrative Assistant Aubrey joined the PASA staff as its new Professional Development Administrative Assistant. Her previous experience in Company Management and customer service makes her a perfect fit for this role! When she is not working, Aubrey is heavily involved in the Harrisburg theatre community on- and off-stage and is a proud member of Central Dauphin High School's production staff for their spring musicals. Contact for: Professional Development offerings and support, Event planning and coordination |
| Robert M. Tomaine- General Counsel Bob was appointed General Counsel in May 2025. He is responsible for the overall supervision and administration of the PASA Legal Services Program, which supports PASA members serving as commissioned officers across Pennsylvania. PASA provides legal services regarding relationships with school boards, employment contracts, separation agreements, and certain other employment-related issues. Prior to being hired as PASA’s top lawyer, Bob served as legal counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). He is a former PDE Chief Counsel and assumed various supervisory and leadership roles during his 25-year tenure with the agency. Bob graduated from Dickinson College with a Bachelor of Arts in English and received his Juris Doctor from Dickinson School of Law. Contact for: Legal assistance to Commissioned officers including employment contracts, separation agreements and other employment-related issues. |
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Linda McKay - Deputy General Counsel Linda began her service as PASA's Deputy General Counsel in January 2013. She provides direct legal advice and representation to chief school administrators regarding public education employment issues in accordance with PASA's Legal Services Program, under the direction of the PASA General Counsel. Prior to joining PASA, Linda served as the Director of Mediation for the Office of Dispute Resolution; as Assistant Counsel in the Pennsylvania Department of Education; and Linda also worked in private practice. Linda graduated, cum laude, from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts, and she received her Juris Doctor form Dickinson School of Law. |
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Deborah Banks - Financial Assistant Deb joined the staff in September 2017 as a part-time administrative assistant and in 2021 became a part-time financial assistant. |
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Sherry Baney- Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director Sherry joined the staff in September 2024 as the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director. Previously she worked for PNC for 36 years as an Administrative Assistant/Loan Administrator in the Commercial Real Estate Department. While with the bank, she worked with the Grow up Great program, Habitat for Humanity & the United Way. When she’s not working, she enjoys time with her family, watching her Labs in the pool and spending time at the beach. |
