ARTICLE
When you think about the Texas Chiropractic Association, chiropractic is the first word that comes to mind. But to me, the people are the most vital part of our organization – the members, partners, and the individuals behind the scenes making everything happen. One of those such people is our own Janet Asghar, who has been the backbone of TCA for nine years. Next week is Janet’s final one at TCA … as a full-time staffer! Being the consummate professional she is, Janet gave TCA more than a year’s notice of her impending retirement. Now that the moment is almost here, I am still in denial. This can’t be happening, right? Janet joined TCA as a temp back in late 2016 from a local staffing agency. TCA needed someone to answer the phone, and I adored her English accent. Jokingly, I thought it would make TCA “next level.” Turns out, I was right, but not because of the accent. Janet demonstrated her value from the very beginning. She was offered a full-time position as our de facto office manager and was put in charge of membership and continuing education. In my more than two decades in association management, I can honestly say it’s one of my finest hires to date. Janet arrived at TCA during a tumultuous period, when the future of chiropractic was under attack. In 2016, TCA was preparing for the Texas Sunset Review process of the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, defending the right to diagnose. It was time of perpetual stress and uncertainty for TCA leadership and our staff, who were fighting for thousands of Texas chiropractors. In 2017, more than 600 chiropractors and chiropractic supporters descended on the Texas Capitol for TCA Legislative Day in Austin. That massive group photo of Team TCA on the Capitol steps is legendary and is now part of our lore. While our awesome lobbyists at State Craft ran point on that historic day, Janet Asghar was the one keeping everyone organized at our home base. As always, Janet was the first point of contact for TCA – signing up doctors as members, sending renewals, answering questions, and holding our members’ hands every step of the way. She served as the registrar at Chiro Texpo, the West Texas Conference, and all of our TCA state events. Regardless of the situation, Janet rarely lost her cool, always with a comforting smile and a genuine desire to help. You may not be aware, but Janet was our on-site IT specialist. She helped launch our TCA website on multiple occasions, fixed the server when our systems let us down, and created our brand-new TCA app. A former science and math teacher, Janet loves to learn and to educate, and, at TCA, we have all been students in her classroom in some way. Now that Janet is semi-retiring, she will have more time with her devoted husband Saf, who is the true MVP for lending Janet to TCA for so many years, as well as her three grown children and four grandkids. She can continue her passion for looking after wounded veterans, gardening, and travel. Janet can actually relax and have a cup of tea. While Janet won’t be in the office every day, she will continue to be involved with TCA, handling our CE activities. She’s also promised to help out at registration at Chiro Texpo ’26 next summer in Austin. Janet was recognized with the prestigious TCA Friend of Chiropractic Award at Chiro Texpo ’26 in Frisco back in June. I can’t think of anyone else more deserving. When it was announced she was retiring during our President’s Gala, there was a collective “No!!!!” from the audience. I couldn’t agree more! Janet took care of me – your overworked Executive Director – and hundreds of Texas chiropractors all these years. Janet, thanks for making me and TCA look good. We love you! Jeff Jenkins, CAE TCA Executive Director/COO To view the Janet Asghar Tribute Reel click here.