Trish Guinan, (Courtesy)(
LINCOLN — The Nebraska State Education Association today announced that Trish Guinan has notified the Board of Directors of her intention to retire as NSEA Executive Director effective Dec. 31, 2025. Isau Metes, NSEA Associate Executive Director, has been named Executive Director effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Guinan has successfully served the Association and public education for almost 50 years. She taught mathematics at the secondary and college levels before beginning her association work as a field representative for members in 1996, becoming Director of Member Rights in 2000, Director of Advocacy in 2012, and Executive Director in 2021.
While teaching, Guinan also served as the Fremont Public Schools Staff Development Coordinator. She served as a building representative, negotiator, vice president, and president of the Fremont Education Association, vice president of NSEA’s Metro District Board of Directors, and as a delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly and the NSEA Delegate Assembly. Guinan earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics from Buena Vista College (Magna Cum Laude) and a Master of Arts for Teachers of Mathematics Degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha (Summa Cum Laude).
“On behalf of NSEA’s 26,000 members, I want to thank Trish for her many years of service to the Association and public education,” said Tim Royers, NSEA President. “Her contributions, leadership and the positive impact she has had on the Association is stellar and is very much appreciated.”
In announcing her decision to retire at the end of the year, Guinan said she wanted to ensure time for a smooth transition.
“Advocating for our members and our Nebraska public schools and students is an honor and privilege,” said Guinan. “My deep belief in servant leadership, proactive thinking and collaboration has guided me throughout my career. The support of the Board of Directors and our dedicated, talented NSEA members and staff have led to many rewarding accomplishments.”
Guinan said the Board’s appointment of Metes as her successor ensures “continuity for our members” and means the Association “won’t miss a beat” in supporting members and advocating for Nebraska public schools.
“Isau and I have worked together on a daily basis for more than six years,” said Guinan. “I have complete confidence in her leadership, and I am thrilled that the Board of Directors has selected her as my successor.”
Metes, a U.S. Army veteran, was a Lincoln Public Schools teacher for 10 years before joining the NSEA as an Organizational Specialist in 2019. She added Assistant Director of Advocacy work to her duties in January 2020, and assumed the Teaching and Learning position duties in the fall of 2020. She was named Director of Advocacy in November 2021, and became the Associate Executive Director in July 2023. Metes earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in English Language and Literature from Wayne State College and a Master of Education Degree from Doane University.
“Isau is ideally prepared to assume the duties as our next Executive Director,” said Royers. “In addition to being knowledgeable and collaborative, Isau possesses high personal integrity and character. She will continue to well serve the Association in her new role.”
“I am grateful for the Board’s confidence in me, and I am honored to succeed Trish as NSEA’s Executive Director,” said Metes. “Trish has been and continues to be a mentor to me. Her leadership has put the Association on solid footing – and she has done so with humility, exceptional character, and a servant mindset.”
Metes will be the 12th Executive Director in the Association’s 158-year history.
