FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUCSON, AZ. — The National Rural Education Association (NREA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bonnie Walker as its new Director of Programs and Partnerships, effective October 1, 2026.
Walker brings more than 25 years of association management and nonprofit experience to NREA. Most recently, she served nearly seven years as Director of Operations with the Texas Rural Education Association (TREA), where she played a key leadership role in organizational operations, membership engagement, conferences and events, corporate partnerships, and sponsorship development. Prior to joining TREA, Walker spent 18 years with the Texas Library Association.
A seventh-generation Texan, she has a deep appreciation for rural communities and the people who serve them and has remained actively engaged in the association community through volunteer and leadership service with the Texas Society of Association Executives and organizations in her local community.
“Having worked alongside Bonnie at the state level for years, I have seen firsthand her unwavering dedication to rural schools and her exceptional talent for building strong partnerships,” said Dr. Bill Chapman, NREA President. “I am excited to see her deep expertise and passion for rural communities brought to the national level.”
This role is new to NREA, and a big step forward for organizational growth. Walker will focus on strengthening NREA program offerings, cultivating strategic and corporate partnerships, and enriching NREA’s relationships with rural schools and communities across the country. A key focus of her work will be supporting the National Forum to Advance Rural Education, NREA’s annual conference, and key initiatives tied to the event such as the National Rural Principal Fellowship and the Rural Innovation & Impact Showcase. She will also be facilitating partnership agreements, both for the conference and year-round.
“Our programs are about creating opportunity, connection, and growth for rural educators and students,” said Dr. Melissa Sadorf, NREA Executive Director. “Bonnie brings an exceptional depth of rural-focused nonprofit experience and a proven track record of building strategic partnerships, making her uniquely and wonderfully positioned to help NREA expand our national impact through our programming.”
Through her new role, Walker will help NREA enhance their support of rural school districts, educators, and students nationwide. NREA asks rural advocates to join them in welcoming and celebrating her as she steps into this position.
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The National Rural Education Association (NREA) was originally founded as the Department of Rural Education in 1907. It is the oldest established national organization in the United States. As the trusted voice for rural education, the NREA advocates for every rural learner, educator, and community. The NREA envisions strong rural schools and communities where education is the catalyst for resilience, opportunity and success.
