Staff
Paul Liabenow
Executive Director
Paul joined the MEMSPA staff as Executive Director in 2012. He has dedicated his over 40 years in education to Michigan’s youth. With degrees from Michigan State University and Central Michigan University, Paul joined Cadillac Area Public Schools where he worked his way through the ranks of teacher, building leader, principal and district superintendent. Today, Paul serves as the Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals—working to build a community of educators dedicated to advocating, leading, and learning. He is also currently serving as Treasurer of Michigan Association of After School Partnerships, President of The Center for Education Improvement, President of Core Communications, President of The MEMSPA Foundation, and Board Member of the Michigan Assessment Consortium. Paul is co-author of Visioning Onward providing guidance for school leaders on the visioning process.
Paul is dedicated to serving MEMSPA members with legislative and legal concerns. He provides leadership coaching for both school principals and superintendents. He is passionate about honoring MEMSPA member’s school leadership by visiting schools and highlighting their successes. Paul engages Michigan and D.C. lawmakers on K12 education issues advocating for principals weekly. His creation of the MEMSPA Foundation and dedication to literacy has led to thousands of books being provided to students across the state.
Paul and Bonnie his wife of 45 years enjoy 3 sons, 6 grandchildren and 2 grand dogs. They reside in Traverse City, MI where they bike, run and boat on Lake Michigan.
Taryn Hurley
Associate Director of Business & Policy
Taryn joined the MEMSPA team in February of 2017 and is currently serving as the Associate Director of Business & Policy. During her time with MEMSPA, she has worked to expand MEMSPA’s virtual capacity. Her experiences as a veteran member of the MEMSPA staff provides a background of information that helps serve the association’s executive leadership team, board of directors, and members.
Taryn serves as the self-proclaimed “office filtration system.” You can email her as a first stop if you are not sure where to start! Specifically, Taryn oversees office operations, membership processing, corporate partnerships, and supports the financial and governance function of the association.
Taryn holds a Bachelor’s in Economics from Michigan State University. She spends most of her time outside the office with her dog Tig and cheering on the Spartans or the Bengals. Go Green!
Shannon Vida
Coordinator of Member Services
Phone: (517) 694-8955
Email: shannon@memspa.org
Shannon joined MEMSPA in May of 2023 and currently serves as our Coordinator of Member Services. She has extensive background in association management and member relations. Her goal at MEMSPA is to make long lasting relationships with members and guide them whenever they need.
Shannon serves members and partners with needs regarding Event Registrations, Newsletters, the MEMSPA Foundation, the Website and Membership.
Shannon has her Bachelor’s degree in Commercial Recreation and Event Management from Central Michigan University, fire up chips! Outside of the office you can find her lounging at home, on the boat, or getting her hands dirty in the garden.