Gammon to Board President

   Marland Gammon, Director of District 7, will serve as this year's Board President. Marland has been with the agency since 1975, first starting in the rehabilitation program for adults. His passion for advocating and working with people with disabilities has been driving him since 1965. After high school, Marland worked at the Glenwood Resource Center, he later moved to Nebraska where he served in the Educational Service Unit as the Coordinator of Special Education Services. Marland also taught for a period of time in Auburn, Nebraska, as well as founded Nishna Productions in Shenandoah, Iowa.
   One of the most impactful moments of his career occurred while he was working as a teacher associate in Glenwood with toddlers. There was a young boy who was blind that
Marland worked with daily. Using an exercise ball for support, and eventually a grocery cart to navigate, Marland taught him to walk. The boy went on to graduate high school. Marland still runs into the boy's parents from time to time, and even now they continue to share their appreciation in helping their son conquer that monumental step. Like these parents, Marland believes that our districts recognize, appreciate and value the services the AEA provides, making him proud to serve the agency.
   Marland has served on several school, county, and state boards/committees/agencies, but sees a strong sense of uniqueness at Green Hills. "The [Green Hills AEA] board has a diverse background. We learn from each other's experiences," Marland explains. He adds that the board members don't let their differences of opinion get in the way of creating a brighter future in the world of education, "When we disagree, we continue to form a conclusion, and move on. It isn't personal. Nobody feels intimidated or judged." Marland shares that the board members respect one another and highly value their ability to work together towards a common goal, despite varying perspectives and backgrounds.
   During his term as president, Marland is focused on hiring a chief with strong leadership skills to support professional staff and districts, participate in state level functions, and ultimately build a strong AEA system. He believes Green Hills is one of the best AEAs in the state due to its strong leadership and highly skilled professionals, which is a key quality he is looking for in the next chief.
   Marland has a wife, Beverly, a retired nurse. They have two sons, a daughter, nine grandchildren, and one great grandchild. All of his children took after Beverly in their career paths, choosing to follow the medical profession. One son is a doctor, the other works with cancer research equipment, and their daughter is a RN. Marland is very involved in the community affairs and theater. He enjoys volunteering at Jennie Edmunson Hospital, gardening, and music therapy. Marland also is heavily involved with the Black Squirel Aktion Club, the only international service organization for the disabled.