Rising Lone Stars Program

THIS PROGRAM RECOGNIZES emerging association leaders in Texas. 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.

Kristin Graham brings energy, insight, and a deep commitment to purpose-driven leadership in her role as Account Director at Strategic Association Management (SAM). She collaborates with associations to spark strategic partnerships, elevate professional learning, and streamline operations for lasting impact. With 14 years of experience as an educator and leader in both Texas and abroad, Kristin is known for building strong teams, launching innovative programs, and driving results with heart. She joined SAM in 2022, bringing her passion for service and excellence into the association space. Kristin’s connection to the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented began as a committed member and advocate and now continues as a key staff member. She is an active member of the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC), TSAE, and American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Kristin thrives on helping organizations operate at their best and empowering members to connect, grow, and lead change. She holds both a B.A. and M.Ed. from Texas A&M University.

Jessica Vaughn is a mission-driven, nonprofit professional with a passion for service and community impact. She currently serves as a Senior Manager and Chapter Executive with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), where she advances emergency medicine and supports physicians nationwide through strategic chapter management for seven different states.

Jessica’s career was shaped by early grassroots work with organizations such as The Chocolate Mint Foundation, STAR Girlz Empowerment, Where Are You? Out Reach, and Disciple Central Community Church, where she gained experience in youth development, outreach, event planning, and community engagement. At ACEP, she partners with physician leaders to strengthen governance, grow non-dues revenue, enhance member engagement, and elevate chapter visibility through events, communications, and advocacy initiatives.

Committed to professional growth, Jessica plans to sit for the CAE exam in December 2025 and desires to pursue a master’s in Nonprofit Management. She is dedicated to building strong, sustainable organizations that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

Kyle Wallace is the Senior Manager of Instructional Design at the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO), where he merges curriculum design expertise with a forward-thinking approach to artificial intelligence (AI). Over the past four years, he and his team have transformed TASBO’s OnDemand catalog into a data-driven, revenue-generating service that expands access and equity for members statewide and beyond.

Recognized as TASBO’s “data guy,” Kyle has championed impactful policy changes, built certification programs for seven ASBO affiliates, and delivered AI trainings for education professionals across Texas. His AI-driven systems have cut course production from six months to six weeks, lowering costs and creating a scalable model now replicated by affiliates.

Kyle’s leadership extends beyond TASBO. He has co-led AI trainings for school districts, served as Director of the Instructional Design Community of Practice for ATD Austin, and launched Royal Labs Inc., a nonprofit supporting families navigating special education. Guided by a personal mission of digital and educational equity, Kyle champions innovation that puts people first.