Candidate Narrative
Dr. William Potts-Datema
As a PTA volunteer, I have served as National Secretary-Treasurer plus two additional terms on the National Board of Directors, one term on NLRC, and terms on nine other national committees (chair of four) and numerous state and local committees. PTA was instrumental in financing my college education, defining my career path, and building my leadership skills.
My career includes service in education and public health from local to international levels. I have held several national leadership positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, and Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education in Washington, D.C. I now serve as interim CEO of the Society for Public Health Education in Washington, D.C.
Throughout my career, I remained an active national organization volunteer. I currently serve as President of the Foundation for the Advancement of Health Education and board member of three other national organizations. I previously served on the boards of two international and six additional national organizations.
From board service and my career, I have learned the critical importance of good governance with clear roles of board members and staff; effective communication; ensuring diversity in leadership and representation in decision-making; integrity and accountability in financial operations; respecting the unique roles of local, state, and national structures; and honoring and recognizing the contributions of volunteer leadership.
I am the product of previous PTA leaders’ investments in me, both through mentoring and their endowment contributions. High priorities as President-elect will be developing leaders and strengthening National PTA’s services for state and local units.
As a parent of four and grandparent of two, I understand the critical importance of a vital National PTA. I would be honored to give back to the organization I love as your national President-Elect.