By: Lori Colletti, MS, CCC-SLP, Vice President for Social and Governmental Policy
September 24, 1947-May 23, 2025
A rich and purposeful life drew to a close with the passing of Mark Hanna on May 23, 2025, and with his passing, the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) lost a dear friend and passionate advocate. Mark served as our longtime legal and legislative counsel, and in that role, he left a lasting impact on our professions and the people we serve. Those of us who had the good fortune to work closely with Mark will forever be changed by his remarkable life.
On Saturday, May 31, I drove to Austin from Fort Worth to celebrate this man who has meant so much to TSHA, and it was no surprise to find that The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd was overflowing with people who were touched by his life. It also came as no surprise that TSHA leaders and members filled several pews, all of us there to honor a man who has had a profound effect on us as an association and as individuals. The group included our current TSHA president, Lisa Milliken, as well as several past presidents, vice presidents, committee chairs, and members of our Political Action Committee (PAC) board. As we sang hymns, prayed together, and listened as Mark’s life was honored, each of us held close our cherished memories of him.
As family members and friends spoke about Mark, they noted his kindness, thoughtfulness, gentlemanly manners, humor, brilliant mind, and his devotion to his family. Many mentioned that he was always impeccably dressed and that he had a presence that filled a room. All of those comments resonated with those of us who knew Mark. I shared a pew with Larry Higdon and his wife, Ann, and their deep pain at the loss of Larry’s longtime colleague and the other half of TSHA’s “Dynamic Duo” was palpable. I noticed that, in spite of their loss, Larry and Ann had warm smiles on their faces as their dear friend’s life was celebrated.
Throughout the memorial service and in the days since, I have had a chance to reflect on all that Mark has meant to me. Mark provided legal counsel to many other professional associations and had a thriving law practice, but somehow I always felt he gave TSHA his undivided attention. As I remembered conversations with Mark, what struck me was the sense that he was always fully present, listening thoughtfully and providing carefully reasoned, thorough responses as if nothing else mattered in that moment. He was highly skilled at making connections with others, which contributed in many ways to his success in advocating with legislators on TSHA’s behalf. Looking back on conversations with Mark and on conversations I observed him having with many other TSHA members, I realize now that he was planting seeds, guiding us, and helping us build on our strengths. He helped us clarify our priorities and understand advocacy and the legislative process. He recognized leadership potential in others, especially young members, and consistently nurtured that potential. So many of us feel blessed by the gifts he shared with us: his warm presence, his knowledge, passion, and ability to effectively advocate. I am so grateful now for the ways he invested in us, ways that will help us continue on without him. We can honor Mark’s remarkable legacy by advocating for TSHA, for our professions, and for the people we serve, leaning on all we learned from him. It is my hope that Mark’s loved ones find comfort in knowing that he left us a great legacy and empowered others to follow in his footsteps.