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2023 Classified Leader of the Year Corrin Conley.
Conley exemplifies servant leadership
September 4, 2023
Name: Corrin Conley
Award: Classified Leader of the Year
Title: Personnel Services Director, East Whittier City School District
ACSA highlights: Member since 2014; ACSA Personnel Academy participant.
Since 1997, Corrin Conley has worked for East Whittier City School District, first as an account clerk before working her way up to director of personnel services, her job title for the past eight years. Since she joined the district, Conley has embodied the idea of “servant leadership.”
Last summer, the school district restructured office support and instructional assistant positions in order to improve stability for students and employees in the front office. Conley led the district personnel department to meet with more than 150 employees to notify them of changes. Conley made sure to listen to all individual employee concerns and offer them personalized support. She is also a member of the California School Employees Association and the East Whittier Education Association negotiations teams, providing information on past practices and helping identify creative solutions to union and management challenges.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the personnel services team had to transition between in-person and online-based professional development. Conley led efforts to offer professional development sessions for certificated and classified staff to learn health and safety best practices for distance learning. She was also part of the district’s COVID-19 Task Team.
“Corrin is extremely professional in everything she undertakes,” said East Whittier City School District Superintendent Marc Patterson. “She has worked to build positive relationships with the leadership from both associations, our district staff and our site leaders. Her knowledge and expertise have been extremely valuable while serving on both negotiations teams.”
What’s your favorite book or quote on leadership?
“Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.” — Bill Bradley
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Be part of the solution.
What’s your best strategy for work-life balance?
Take time to disconnect.
How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position?
(ACSA has supported me with) training, conferences, making connections and mentors.