By: Kelly Hagen, North Dakota Staff Organization
Two members of the National Staff Organization (NSO) were recognized for excellence in communications during the State Education Association Communicators (SEAComm) Conference held in Santa Fe, New Mexico earlier this summer.
SEAComm is an organization which brings together communications professionals from state education associations across the country to share ideas, sharpen skills and recognize excellence. SEAComm members work to strengthen communications efforts on behalf of education employees and many are also active within NSO or its affiliates.
Kim Tallarico, a senior graphic designer and member of both the Ohio Associate Staff Union and NSO communications committee, was selected as this year’s recipient of the Karen Reed Award for Excellence in Design. This honor has recognized outstanding achievement in graphic and publication design since 2002.
Linda Woo, a member of the Washington Education Association Staff Organization and editor of We2.0 received the George Badner Award for Excellence in Editing. This award dates to 1993 and is given in recognition of outstanding achievement in the production and editing of an education association publication.
The annual SEAComm Awards Program recognizes outstanding work in communications produced by staff working for state education associations. Rishanda Richardson, president of SEAComm for 2026-27 and treasurer of the Missouri Professional Staff Organization, offered her congratulations to Tallarico, Woo and all of this year’s award winners.
“I am truly excited and honored to celebrate the members of SEAComm, a community made up of some of the most brilliant, creative and talented communications professionals in our associations,” Richardson said. “Through digital media, video, photography and print, SEAComm members tell powerful stories, shape meaningful campaigns and create compelling designs that inspire NEA members across the nation. NEA and the state affiliates are stronger because of their dedication, skill, creativity and vision. Most importantly, their work helps advance our shared mission: supporting members, standing in solidarity for public education and lifting up the union values we believe in.”