Top 30 Education Technology Leaders Honored

Annually, the Center for Digital Education brings well-deserved recognition to the top 30 movers and shakers in the field of education technology. They work in every aspect of the field and include, K-12 superintendents, deans at universities, nonprofit leaders, government officials and more. In order to win, they must meet a strict criteria that includes strong evidence of:

• Efforts to improve education with digital tools.
• Impact of those efforts on student achievement; the institution; the local, state and national scene.
• Creativity and initiative to make change.
• Display of leadership qualities.

We are thrilled to honor this years class of 2017 and can't wait to see what they continue to do in the future. 

The press release and list of winners can be found below:

SACRAMENTO, CA -- The Center for Digital Education (CDE) today announced its 2017 Top 30 Technologists, Transformers and Trailblazers -- 30 education and technology leaders across America who are transforming the education landscape through the use of digital tools.

The 2017 winners were selected based on their efforts to improve education through effective implementation of technology-rich solutions; their impact on student outcomes; and their overall initiative, creativity and leadership skills.

"Our winners have shown an immense amount of passion and courage as they take on education in an era that encompasses rapid changes. They have demonstrated a unique ability to use technology as a catalyst to transform education at all levels and to have a positive impact on student success," said Dr. Kecia Ray, executive director, CDE. "I am thrilled to recognize this outstanding group for their work, and wish them the best as they continue to push the field forward with education technology."

The Center for Digital Education's Top 30 Technologists, Transformers and Trailblazers for 2017:

Desiree H. Alexander, Regional Director of North Louisiana, Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana

Linda Ashida, District Teaching and Learning Facilitator, Elk Grove High School District 214, Illinois

Jacob Bates, Techrangers Team Lead, University of Central Florida

Matthew J. Belanger, Assistant Vice President, Academic Operations and First Year Experience, Southern New Hampshire University

Ronald M. Bergmann, Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer, Lehman College/City University of New York

Amy E. Cashwell, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Virginia

Chuck Chrisman, Executive Director of Information Technology Services, Southeastern Community College, Iowa

Richie Crim, Information Technology Strategist, CIO, Lord Fairfax Community College, Virginia

Aarti Dhupelia, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, National Louis University, Illinois

Frances Marie Gipson, PhD, Chief Academic Officer, Los Angeles Unified School District, California

Rebecca Gomez, PhD, LCSW, Assistant Professor and Director, Worden School of Social Service, Our Lady of the Lake University, Texas

Dr. Stacey Gonzales, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Consolidated High School District 230, Illinois

Dr. Tammy Grissom, Executive Director, Tennessee School Boards Association

Tim Hardison, MATCH Program Director, East Carolina University and MATCH Wellness, North Carolina

Keeta Holmes, Director, Faculty Development, Center for Teaching and Learning, University of Missouri-St. Louis

Ryan B. Jackson, Ed.D, Executive Lead Principal, Mount Pleasant Arts Innovation Zone, Tennessee

S. Tom Kambouras, Chief Technology Officer, New York City Department of Education

Kristina M. MacBury, Principal, Sarah Pyle Academy; Co-Founder & CEO, Educate4hope LLC, Delaware

Evan Marwell, Founder & CEO, EducationSuperHighway, California

Michael L. Mathews, CIO and Associate Vice President for Innovation and Technology, Oral Roberts University, Oklahoma

Andrea Milligan, Director of the Center for Teaching, Learning and Innovation, North Shore Community College, Massachusetts

Timothy P. Mottet, President, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Colorado

Michael Nagler, Ed.D., Superintendent, Mineola Public Schools, New York

Demetrios Roubos, Assistant Director, Information Security, Adjunct Faculty in Computer Science and Information Systems, Stockton University, New Jersey

Witt Salley, Ed.D., Associate Provost for Academic Innovation and Support, Maryland University of Integrative Health, Maryland

Dr. Scott E. Shiffer, Senior Director of Information, Criswell College, Texas

Ira David Socol, Director of Learning Technologies and Innovation, Albemarle County Public Schools, Virginia

Carla Streff, Director of Learning Technologies & Client Services, Northeast Community College, Nebraska

Marlon J. Styles, Jr., Superintendent, Middletown City School District, Ohio

Valarie Wilson, Executive Director, Georgia School Boards Association

About the Center for Digital Education
The Center for Digital Education (CDE) is a national research and advisory institute specializing in K-12 and higher education technology trends, policy and funding. CDE provides education and industry leaders with decision support and actionable insights to help effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century. Learn more at www.centerdigitaled.com

CDE is a division of e.Republic, the nation's only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Media Contact:

• Susan Gentz
  Deputy Executive Director, Content
  sgentz@centerdigitaled.com515-975-7380