Laura Bay was elected the 54th president of National PTA in 2015. Prior to her election, she served as president-elect, secretary-treasurer and on the Board of Directors. She also severed on the finance, field service and organizational viability committees. Bay is a passionate advocate for education and children’s issues and believes that PTA is the organization which actively supports and promotes parent, teacher and community involvement in child and education issues.

Bay got involved in PTA when her oldest son entered kindergarten classroom over 20 years ago. She was involved in her local unit, council and regional PTA activities for many years and served in a variety of PTA positions—from committee member/ chair to president. She was also active at the district level—serving as a parent voice at staff meetings and on budget committees.

As the Washington State PTA president in 2007–2009, Bay focused on developing leadership potential at all levels of PTA and facilitated the search and hiring of a new executive director. Also, during her tenure as president she led the Washington State PTA in collaborating with other organizations in the successful passage of Engrossed House Joint Resolution (EHJR) 4204—Simple Majority Initiative. She also provided testimony before state senate and house committees, led a rally on the capitol steps and dedicated her time and energy in a statewide PTA campaign which led to the signing of HB 2261 addressing Basic Education Funding with fellow education stakeholder organizations.

Prior to serving as state president, Bay served on the Washington State PTA Board of Directors for six years as region director, secretary and leadership director. Bay and her husband, Robert, live in Poulsbo, Wash. and have three adult children— Andrew, Matthew and Celeste. She worked for the Bremerton School District as an educator and in the district office as a coordinator for assessment and instruction.