Technology Leadership Academy, Virtual Academy, Fall 2024

Speakers

• Adam Garry President, StrategicEDU, LLC
  

  Adam Garry

  President, StrategicEDU, LLC

  Experienced Sr. Director Of Education strategy and business development with a demonstrated history of working in the Education, information technology and professional learning industries. Skilled in Leadership, Generative AI, Educational Technology, Personalized Learning, Needs Assessment, and Organizational Development. Strong education professional with a BS in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida, a master’s in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis on Technology, and a Certificate in Administration and Supervision focused in Educational Leadership and Administration, General from The Johns Hopkins University.

• Chris Higle Chief Technology Officer, Ceres Unified School District
  

  Chris Higle

  Chief Technology Officer, Ceres Unified School District
• Denise Musselwhite Founder, Tech & Thrive
  

  Denise Musselwhite

  Founder, Tech & Thrive

  I’m a Chief Information Officer turned executive leadership coach and consultant who is dedicated to helping professionals in tech thrive and succeed as industry leaders. A nationally recognized and experienced technologist and leader with more than two decades of experience in the legal, non-profit, and education industries.

  I provide a combination of traditional executive and leadership coaching, subject-specific mentoring, and assessment, using my wealth of experience as a CIO/CTO and Technology Leader to help clients make decisions, reach new objectives, and build skills and self-knowledge.

• Dr. Julie Evans CEO, Project Tomorrow
  

  Dr. Julie Evans

  CEO, Project Tomorrow

  Julie Evans is a National thought leader, researchers and advocate for the implementation of innovative learning environments in K-12 education. She has special expertise in the role of digital tools, content and resources to transform teaching and learning experiences. She has considerable accomplishments in developing innovative national and regional education reform programs and new research methodologies for evaluating the impact of emerging technologies.

  The CIO’s New Role in Addressing the Chalkboard Challenge in America’s Classrooms

  The CIO’s role and responsibilities today extend far beyond the server room.  When thinking about the role of technology in the learning imperative of America’s schools, the emerging role of the district CIO as an agent of education transformation is more important than ever.  Given a unique perspective on the value of technology, a new role for the CIO involves addressing how digital content, tools and resources are used effectively (or are not) to support enhanced teaching and learning.  In this interactive two-part session, we will explore the realities of technology use within the classroom by closely examining the authentic feedback of K-12 students, teachers, parents and administrators and then use those insights to frame the current challenges and potential leadership role of the CIO in influencing and impacting the learning experiences of students.

• Dr. Tom Ryan Retired Chief Information and Strategy Officer, Santa Fe Public Schools
  

  Dr. Tom Ryan

  Retired Chief Information and Strategy Officer, Santa Fe Public Schools

  Dr. Tom Ryan is the Chief Information and Strategy Officer for the Santa Fe Public Schools and is also President of EMMERSION Learning, an organization dedicated to transforming education through the effective use of digital learning tools. He is an education professional with 36+ years of experience and expertise in teaching, leadership, technology, technology integration and blended/online learning program development. He works with schools leadership on strategic planning and leadership, designing digital learning environments, technology infrastructure reviews, and the shift to digital tools.

  He is engaged in leadership activities in several state and national organizations including President on the Consortium of School Networking (CoSN) Board, iNACOL, ISTE, and the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS). Work with the CGCS includes: large school district IT reviews of infrastructure, strategic planning, instructional technology, and digital transformation efforts. He also helps coordinate of the Councils annual CIO conferences. Dr. Ryan presents at several state and national conferences throughout the year.

• Greg Ottinger Retired Chief Business Officer San Diego Unified School District
  

  Greg Ottinger

  Retired Chief Business Officer San Diego Unified School District
• Lenny Schad Chief Information and Innovation Officer in Residence
  

  Lenny Schad

  Chief Information and Innovation Officer in Residence

  Lenny Schad is the chief information and innovation officer for District Administration. Schad has been working in the technology field for 28 years where his career has taken him into many business sectors, and he has established a very successful leadership and management track record. His range of business-sector experience includes hospitality, government, oil and gas, investment banking, and education.

  Highlights of his career include managing and leading technology departments for the 1991 Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations and the 1992 Republican National Convention, and creating and managing technology departments for joint ventures and global organizations. Schad has worked in K12 education since 2003, and has successfully led implementations of BYOD and 1-to-1 in Katy ISD and Houston ISD, respectively. He is a board member for CoSN and IMS Global, and is a recognized leader whose innovative and process-oriented management styles have led to highly effective information technology departments.

  The Changing Role of the CIO

  The leaders of technology divisions must begin thinking of their role not in terms of providing “Technology Solutions” rather, they need to think of their role as being part of the “Classroom Experience.” As a technology leader you must face a new reality; because of the many cloud-based and digital service offerings, the organization can build their own solutions without you and your department. In order to avoid this CIO’s need to focus their time and energy on building relationships at every level in the organization. By establishing relationships and partnering with other leaders the technology department becomes the enabler to accomplishing the objectives in this changing landscape.

• Scott Bailey Former Superintendent, Desert Sands Unified School District
  

  Scott Bailey

  Former Superintendent, Desert Sands Unified School District

  In the Spring of 2017, Scott Bailey began his superintendency with a four-step process to LOOK, LISTEN, LEARN, and LEAD. The first three steps included 35 site visits, 800 classroom visits, various division and department tours, and numerous community interactions. Additionally, the results of the Thoughtexchange survey, which included the voice of parents/guardians, certificated and classified staff, students, management and confidential staff, as well as community members, helped to form an action plan. The Superintendent Action Plan, which encompasses 45 objectives represents the final step, LEAD.