Jacinda H. Conboy, general counsel with the New York State Council of School Superintendents, and Marie Sneed, partner with Washington, D.C.-based Hogan Lovells U.S., are the 2020 recipients of the first Friend of AASA Award. They will receive their awards at the 2nd General Session of the AASA national conference on Friday in San Diego.
This award is given by AASA’s executive director to a non-educator or school district-based person or group/organization who has consistently supported the mission of AASA and has given their time and effort to help the association accomplish its goals to advocate on behalf of public education and assist with the professional development of its members.
In her post with NYSCOSS, based in Albany, N.Y., Conboy provides advice regarding education issues, holds legal conferences, frequently presents to superintendents, negotiates contracts and assists superintendents in various legal matters. In addition, she recently developed a program to promote and support women leaders in education in New York.
Conboy spent approximately 12 years in private practice and previously concentrated her practice in representing school districts, municipalities and private sector clients in complex employment and civil rights litigation. She has considerable experience in advising clients on employment practices and policies, preparing employment policies and agreements and has lectured regarding employment practices.
Sneed, based in her law firm’s Washington, D.C., office,is a life-long supporter of public education and has dedicated her career to strengthening public schools and supporting the leaders within them. Her rich career reaches from her time as a teacher and principal to her current work as a expert in legal and regulatory impact on public schools.
She is a long-time friend of AASA, contributing regularly to School Administrator magazine and supporting the association’s work related to superintendent pathway, development, employment and contracts. Districts seek her advice because of her extensive experience working in the education system, her legal acumen, her public policy work, and her ability to make connections between the education and legal arenas.
Sneed has advised clients in the education sector on a broad range of issues, including ranging from social media, bullying and cyberbullying, harassment, and sex and race discrimination to English language learners, special education/IDEA, equitable access and opportunities, and integration and desegregation. She also provides regulatory advice to clients and litigated cases for clients in state courts as well as federal, district, and appellate courts.