About NSPRA
Become a Member
Each candidate was asked to respond to the following questions. The answers below are presented exactly as submitted, without edits.
Submit one narrative paragraph that provides a brief overview of your career and professional background:
Andrew P. Robinson is an award-winning school communications leader with more than a decade of experience spanning public education, government and nonprofit sectors. He currently serves as the Assistant Director of Communications for Arlington Public Schools in Virginia, where he leads strategic internal and external communications and created the nationally recognized APS All Stars staff recognition program. As President of CHESPRA, he's helped grow membership by 50 percent and created several new and innovative programming options for members. Additionally, he launched the first-ever Rapid Response Task Force to support school PR professionals navigating current events impacting education. He’s been honored to receive several national recognitions from NSPRA, including a Golden Achievement Award, the 35 Under 35 distinction and being named a Front-Runner. At the heart of his work is a commitment to building trust, elevating voices and supporting fellow school communicators in leading with clarity and confidence.
Why did you decide to run for national office and pursue a volunteer leadership position on the NSPRA Executive Board?
I’m running for Mideast Region Vice President because I believe deeply in the power of connection, clarity and community in public education, and I believe school communicators are at the heart of all three. In a time when misinformation spreads fast and trust is hard-earned, our role has never been more vital. We’re not just managing messages. We’re shaping narratives, restoring confidence and building bridges between schools and the communities they serve.
Serving as CHESPRA president reaffirmed my commitment to supporting school communicators not just in their day-to-day work, but in their growth as leaders. I’ve seen what happens when we come together with shared purpose, how innovation accelerates, how confidence grows and how a strong network can carry someone through the toughest days. That sense of connection is what I want to expand across the Mideast region.
We are at a pivotal moment for our profession. As public education faces new challenges, school communicators need systems of support, strategic guidance and spaces where they feel seen, heard and valued. I’m ready to bring the same energy, innovation and collaborative spirit I’ve brought to my region to a broader level, ensuring every member, whether they lead a large team or work alone, has a seat at the table and the tools to lead with impact.
This isn’t just a role I’m pursuing, it’s a continuation of the service I’ve been committed to for years. I’m ready to lead forward, together.
How can school PR professionals best advance our role as communication leaders, demonstrate communication accountability and build understanding of communication as a core management function?
To lead effectively, school PR professionals must be seen and respected as trusted partners at the table. We’re not just messengers of decisions; we are strategic advisors who shape how those decisions are understood, received and supported. Advancing our roles starts with how we show up with clarity, consistency and a focus on impact. When we ground our work in strategy, align it with district priorities and center the needs of students and families, we become indispensable to the leadership process.
Communication accountability starts with intentional planning and measurable goals. We must be clear about what success looks like and be willing to evaluate how our messages land. Tools like communication audits, engagement data, media monitoring and stakeholder feedback don’t just inform our work, they help us demonstrate it. And when we use those tools to refine our strategies and report outcomes transparently, we strengthen trust and reinforce the value of our role.
The best school communicators understand that influence is built, not given. We build it through responsive listening, clear storytelling and collaborative problem-solving. We don’t just deliver information, we shape understanding, inspire confidence and foster community.
By embedding communication into the core of district leadership, we help ensure that every initiative is supported, every stakeholder is informed and every student is better served. That’s what real leadership looks like. And that’s the standard we should continue to model, elevate and expect.
What do you consider to be the major communication challenges facing districts/education organizations today, and what qualifications, skills and expertise will you offer as an Executive Board member to help NSPRA support members in addressing these issues?
The biggest challenges we face today are navigating political polarization, combating misinformation, adapting to or embracing the fast-evolving artificial intelligence landscape and meeting rising demands for transparency, all in real time. As school communicators, we’re expected to be quick, factual and human all at once. In my role at Arlington Public Schools and as CHESPRA President, I’ve built systems to help teams do just that, by launching rapid response efforts, strengthening staff communication and using new platforms to reach disengaged audiences. I bring experience in leading during change, building strong networks and helping others rise. As a board member, I’ll continue creating space for fellow school PR pros to share tools, tell their stories and support each other in the hard moments.
I’ll also bring unwavering attention to detail to everything I do. Whether it’s crafting a message, planning an event or supporting a colleague, I believe the smallest moments often carry the greatest impact. I take pride in ensuring that every aspect of the work, visible or behind the scenes, receives the thoughtfulness and care it deserves. That level of intention helps build trust, elevate our profession and move the NSPRA mission forward with consistency and integrity.
NSPRA’s mission is to be the leader in developing professionals to communicate strategically, build trust and foster positive relationships in support of their school communities. How will you support this mission as an NSPRA leader?
I’ll support this mission by listening first, then leading with purpose. As a regional VP, I want to help members feel seen, supported and inspired— especially those in smaller districts or new to the profession. I’ve worked in solo departments and on teams of nearly 20 people. I understand the challenges practitioners face. I’ll champion inclusive practices, elevate regional voices and continue supporting access to professional development that reflects the real challenges we’re facing today. Whether it’s through strengthening partnerships, hosting learning opportunities or advocating for member needs, I’ll always lead with the belief that communication done well can transform trust and outcomes for students.