Los Angeles Metropolitan Area
Enthusiastically reinvents organizations, growing them by engaging communities in their passions. An Apple Distinguished Educator and CETL certified, he co-founded Google Certified Innovator and Leading Edge Certification programs and consulted in the development of the ISTE Certified Educator program. Grew the membership of a nonprofit educational association 400%, increasing its impact a thousand-fold. Motivates through inspiration, humor and innovation. Loves learning. Currently Executive Director of the California Student Media Festival (MediaFestival.org), he’s volunteered on the festival Steering Committee since 2001, and at @ISTE since 2005. One of the 100 top EdTech Influencers, a 20 to Watch Recipient, EdTech Digest Founder/CEO of the year finalist, TEDx Talk speaker and former lead singer of Red Pen, the all-teacher band. Also, former theater kid. Socials @techmaverick
I lead the the Information and Technology department at ABC Unified School District, which fosters a dynamic learning environment by seamlessly integrating instructional technology and network infrastructure. We empower students and educators for success with modern devices and infrastructure, reliable technology support and meaningful professional learning. As Director of Information & Technology, my role encompasses IT, EdTech, Graphics and Storytelling teams, overseeing 34+ full-time staff and consultants. I serve as part of the Academic Services team while also maintaining a seat on the Superintendent's Cabinet. My work encompasses leadership of our district's Data team, helping to shape our Strategic Plan and MTSS framework, as well as an integral role in realizing our three-year LCAP plan. I lead our AI deployment efforts, as well as executing on the final stage of our community's $258 million bond (Measure BB) effort.
Responsible for leading strategic learning and development initiatives at Jamf. I worked closely with members of the Jamf education team in order to inspire and motivate our key education partners to lead real change using Apple + Jamf educational technology. I evangelized the potential technology has for transformative change in teaching and learning environments by aligning with Apple messaging and go to market strategies. Along with the rest of the Jamf team, I helped foster a world with the highest moral, ethical and legal standards to deliver an environment that promotes respect, innovation and creativity.
I led the team that engaged the educational community worldwide to expand student learning opportunities. My primary focus areas were: PowerSchool Champions and Ambassadors, our elite community of enthusiastic customers; Customer Reference program; the Official PowerSchool User Group Network; the Council on Education Innovation and Customer Leadership Council; the Honor Roll Awards and served as the content lead for 2019 EDGE Conference, our Flagship User Event. I successfully developed and produced Champions CircleUP! - an exclusive, online professional learning event for our customer evangelists featuring live keynotes, 22 pre-recorded breakout sessions with live presenter Q&A utilizing a gamified platform (Influitive) to engage all participants. Early in my tenure, I managed PowerSchool's Academic Advisory Board and state-level lobbyists across the U.S. I also conceived, developed and launched PowerSchool's first-ever Official User Group Network, a global affiliation of dozens of independently-run user-led organizations with an array of needs and desires. I negotiated and managed contract development and renewal semi-annually for all programs and presented impact on all programs directly to the CEO monthly. Our team was selected as a finalist for two BAMMIE awards (Best Advocacy Marketing Awards): Most Engaged Advocate Community and People's Choice: Most Passionate Community. I was honored to be a part of the 2019 Marketing Team of the Year CODiE, as selected by the SIIA.
I served as chief executive of CUE (now CALIE) for nearly 13 years, overseeing a period of rapid growth and innovation. During my tenure, I revitalized this nonprofit ed tech organization through innovative leadership, tenacity and creativity. I rallied legions of volunteers and a crack team of staff to execute the board’s vision to achieve the nonprofit’s mission of inspiring innovative learners. I managed the $4M budget and oversaw all events, programs, advocacy, government relations, communications and member engagement. I forged long-lasting partnerships with corporations, nonprofits, and government initiatives generating revenue, awareness and improved programs and services for educators globally. I led a complete rebranding effort and shifted from a single event per year to over 200, successfully diversifying revenue streams. Through these and other efforts, I grew membership from 2,000 to over 12,000, organization revenue by 500% and event attendance from 2,400 to nearly 30,000 educators annually. What CUE was then: CUE, Inc. is a nonprofit California organization founded in 1978. CUE's mission is to inspire innovative learners. With an active current membership of thousands of educational professionals, CUE supports many regional affiliates and Learning Networks. CUE Conference, Symposia and Professional Learning camps are California’s premier educational technology events. CUE actively advocates for a supportive educational policy environment at the state and national level and recognize educators annually through our awards and fellowship programs. CUE serves as the ISTE Affiliate for California and Nevada. CUE is the largest organization of its type in the west and one of the largest in the United States.
Coordinated educational technology programs across 30 districts including over 500,000 students. Oversaw teams of consultants, trainers and teachers to provide on-site and virtual professional development. Personally led over 250 trainings, workshops and academies.