Rising Lone Stars Program
THIS PROGRAM RECOGNIZES emerging association leaders in our state. TSAE invites nominations of young professional/next-gen individuals that have contributed to their organizations and/or industry in the early years of their careers.
Ryan Byrd, CAE
Managed Chapters Director
American College of Emergency Physicians
Ryan Byrd, CAE was previously with the Restaurant Facility Management Association (RFMA) for 10 years, coming from the hotel and hospitality industry. During her time at the RFMA, she oversaw membership, volunteer management, and planning regional events across the nation. Ryan earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in May 2024. She is passionate about serving and professional development. She participates in Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) and Dallas-Ft. Worth Association Executives (DFWAE) programs such as the TSAE CAE Study Group, TSAE Leadership, speaking at TSAE’s New Ideas 2023, planning the DFWAE 2023 Association Day, and volunteering her time serving on the DFWAE Board of Directors as secretary.
Ashley Franco
Director of Education
Texas Association of School Business Officials
Ashley Franco has over 10 years of association experience and has held roles in education and membership capacities at the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) and the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) respectively. She finds working at nonprofits in the public education sector particularly rewarding because she is able to give back to educators who helped shape her life. Ashley co-presented at Tech Talks, was part of the 2017 Leadership TSAE cohort, was an ambassador for 2024 New Ideas, and looks forward to getting more involved in the organization. She is currently pursuing her CAE designation to further demonstrate her commitment to association management. Outside of her professional endeavors, Ashley enjoys cooking, baking sourdough, and attending concerts. On evenings and weekends, you can find her spending quality time with her “wingmen:” her husband of four years, Gustavo (AKA Goose), and their two pups, Maverick and Jet.
Katy McDowall
Communications Manager
Strategic Association Management
Katy McDowall serves as Head of Communications at Strategic Association Management (SAM), where she manages the team of communications professionals who support the more than 25 associations SAM serves. She leads the team in developing and implementing processes, strategies, and services that meet associations’ communications and marketing needs. She also serves as communications manager for three unique statewide associations, including the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT), the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association (TWGGA), and the Instructional Materials Coordinators’ Association of Texas (IMCAT). She works to develop effective and brand-affirming communications and marketing initiatives tailored to their missions, members, and goals.
Sharna Pascolo
Director of Governance & Operations
Texas Society of Architects (TxA)
Sharna Pascolo is the Director of Governance & Operations at the Texas Society of Architects (TxA), where she has played a key role for the past eight years. She works closely with leadership at the local, state, and national levels and serves as the staff liaison to the Board of Directors, as well as the Education Outreach and Nominating Committees. With a strong background in association management and events and hospitality, Sharna is committed to fostering collaboration and strategic growth within the organization. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, she now resides in the U.S. with her husband and two daughters. Sharna is actively pursuing her CAE credential.
Angie Rector
Communications & Events Director
CTAT
Angie Rector is a dedicated communications and events manager with a strong passion for organizing and managing events. Her experience spans various aspects of conference logistics, including exhibitor communications and marketing strategies that enhance visibility and engagement. Angie graduated from the University of Texas at Austin’s business school, where she earned her degree in supply chain management. She is blessed to work with an amazing team, and together they strive to create outstanding events that provide exceptional experiences for the career and technical education community. Angie lives in Pflugerville, TX, with her husband, their twin boys, and their daughter. Faith and family are at the heart of their life, and they cherish spending time together.
Shannon Roberts
Director of Communications & Marketing
Houston BOMA
Shannon Roberts is the Director of Communications and Marketing for the Houston Building Owners and Managers Association (Houston BOMA). Shannon has a total of 11 years of association management experience, with the past 8 years at Houston BOMA. Since starting in her role in 2016, she has found her passion in association management, and advanced from Marketing Coordinator to her current role as Director of Communications and Marketing. With expertise in newsletters, email marketing, and branding and communication, Shannon has led various successful projects and initiatives at Houston BOMA, including a full rebranding, creation of the organization’s popular Advocate newsletter and website, and most recently, a website redesign. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M University, and in 2024, Shannon achieved her Certified Association Executive credential. In her spare time, Shannon likes to watch movies and explore Houston’s food and art scene with her fiancé, Oscar, and their dog, Jinglebell.
