ACTE Board of Directors Elections

From December 6, 2024 – January 6, 2025, members of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) will elect officers for the following board of directors positions:

• President: Will serve a two-year term, as president from July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026, and past president from July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027. The 2024-2025 president-elect position has become vacant. According to the ACTE bylaws, the board holds the authority to appoint a successor to fill such vacancies until an official election can be conducted. In alignment with this guideline, the board has appointed outgoing Agricultural Education Division Vice President Robert Torres as the new president-elect for the term, July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025. During the forthcoming election cycle, ACTE will open applications for the position of president, and the elected candidate will serve a two-year term, as president from July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026, and past president from July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027.
• Regarding the position of President-Elect: Serves a one-year term beginning in July 2025, followed by one-year as president and one-year as past president per the normal election cycle.
• Business Education Division Vice President: Serves a three-year term beginning July 2025.
• Engineering & Technical Education Division Vice President-elect: Serves a shadow-term beginning July 2025 and three-year term starting July 2026.
• Region I Vice President-elect: Serves a shadow-term beginning July 2025 and three-year term starting July 2026.
• Region IV Vice President-elect: Serves a shadow-term beginning July 2025 and three-year term starting July 2026.
• Agricultural Education Division Vice President: Will complete the two-year of the 2024-2027 term beginning July 2025. The 2024-2027 position became vacant in February of 2024, a vice president was appointed in March 2024 for the July 2024 term.

• Applications are accepted online exclusively via the ACTE Awards Portal, only from April 1-June 15. Click here to access the online application!

In order to accommodate the election, the nomination process/timeline is as follows:

• Nominations for the election are due June 15.
• In July, the nominating committees will meet via conference call to approve the candidates.
• In order to vote, you must be an ACTE member by November 6.
• Candidate information will be featured in the November/December Techniques.
• Voting will open during ACTE’s CareerTech VISION on Friday, December 6 and end at 11:59 p.m. on January 6.
• Winners will be announced the week of – January 6.

Please click here for information on the previous election’s winners.

All ACTE individual professional, retired, educational institution members, and national affiliate organizations whose membership dues are received at ACTE headquarters by November 6, 2024, are eligible to vote. Please review the biographical information and platform statements for the nominees and exercise your right to vote for ACTE’s leadership.

The election process will be conducted via electronic ballot only. Ballots will be sent to member email addresses listed in the ACTE database. ACTE works with Survey and Ballot Systems (SBS) to manage the board of directors elections. You will receive an e-signature via email that must be used with your member number to vote electronically. If you do not receive an e-signature by midnight on December 6, please contact support@directvote.net. Electronic ballots must be cast by 11:59 p.m. ET on January 6, 2025. Ballots will be counted and audited at the offices of SBS, and the results will be posted on ACTE’s website and announced in Techniques.

In order to facilitate a smooth election process, please be sure to:

• Verify your email address with ACTE. If ACTE does not have your email address, it is imperative that you update your member profile immediately. You can do this on the ACTE website by:
  • Visiting acteonline.org
  • Logging in (Username: your email address; password: your ACTE ID number plus your first and last initials – e.g., 123456AH)
  • Clicking on “View Profile”

Or email acte@acteonline.org

• Make sure you/your IT department puts Survey and Ballot Systems on your email server’s “white list” so your voting information will not be marked as spam. The email will come from noreply@directvote.net.
• Remember that in order to vote, you must be a member of ACTE as of November 6, 2024. Members are only allowed to vote in elections for their region and any divisions of which they are a member.

Robert Torres

Region: V
Division: Agricultural Education
Occupation: Professor

Employment history
Professor, University of Arizona: 2010–present; professor, University of Missouri: 2002–2010; associate professor, New Mexico State University: 1993–2002; graduate associate, The Ohio State University: 1990–93; agriculture teacher, Willcox Unified School District: 1986–1990

Education
Doctor of Philosophy, agricultural education, The Ohio State University; Master of Science, agricultural education, New Mexico State University; Bachelor of Science, agricultural and extension education, New Mexico State University

National ACTE involvement
Member, board of directors: 2021–present; attendee, ACTE’s CareerTech VISION: 2018–2024; attendee, National Policy Seminar: 2022–24; member, division budget formula task force: 2023

Regional ACTE involvement
Conference attendee: 2017, 2019, 2021

Divisional ACTE involvement
Chair, policy committee: 2021–24; conference presenter: 2021–23; conference attendee: 2018–2023

State ACTE involvement
Member, Arizona ACTE: 1986–1990; 2010–present; member, Missouri ACTE: 2002–2010; member, New Mexico ACTE: 1993–2002; member, Ohio ACTE: 1990–93

Other CTE involvement
President-elect, president and past president, American Association for Agricultural Education (AAAE): 2017–19; chair, research committee, AAAE: 2002, 2010; president-elect, president and past president, The National Council for Agricultural Education: 2021–27; university representative, Arizona Agriculture Teachers Association: 2010–15; member, board of directors, National FFA Organization: 2001–03; member, board of trustees, National FFA Organization: 2010–12

Application summary
I am a seasoned educator and administrator with extensive experience in CTE, currently serving as a senior professor at the University of Arizona, in the Department of Agricultural Education, Technology, and Innovation. I teach courses in teacher preparation, leadership development and graduate education. My active involvement in CTE includes serving as the Agricultural Education Division vice president on the ACTE board of directors; as president-elect and member of The National Council for Agricultural Education; and as member and former president of the American Association for Agricultural Education. I am running for president to advance innovative CTE programs, strengthen our teacher and leadership pipelines, and ensure that ACTE effectively addresses the evolving needs of the workforce.

Platform statement
As president, my primary goal is to ensure ACTE effectively addresses the evolving workforce needs. First, I aim to align CTE programs with current and emerging industry demands by integrating advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and other developing technologies, into curricula. This will prepare students with the skills needed for the future workforce and ensure that our programs remain relevant and on the cutting-edge.

Second, I will focus on developing and retaining a robust pipeline of diverse and inclusive CTE teachers through targeted recruitment, comprehensive preparation, and ongoing teacher development. By supporting teachers in staying current with industry trends and best practices and by creating supportive environments that promote career satisfaction, we can ensure high-quality instruction and enhance student outcomes.

Third, I intend to support leadership programs and mentorship opportunities to advance the next generation of CTE administrators and policymakers. Building a strong network of leaders equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive the future of CTE will strengthen our overall educational ecosystem and support sustainable growth.

Active listening will be central to my approach. I will engage regularly with teachers, students, policymakers, administrators, and strategic partners to understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations. By fostering open communication and collaboration, we can create a cohesive and responsive community dedicated to the continuous improvement of CTE.

Ultimately, my presidency will be dedicated to ensuring that ACTE not only meets the immediate needs of our workforce but also anticipates and prepares for future challenges. Together, we will advance career and technical education, ensuring its relevance and impact for years to come.

Brandon Russell

Region: III
Division: Administration
Occupation: Director of Career and Technical Education

Employment history
Director of CTE, Columbia Public Schools: 2014–present; adjunct professor, University of Central Missouri: 2015–2023; director, Jefferson College Area Technical School, Jefferson College: 2010–14; assistant superintendent, Marshall Public Schools: 2008–2010; director, Lex La-Ray Technical Center, Lexington R-V School District: 2002–08; graphic arts instructor, Carrollton R-VII School District: 1996–2002

Education
Doctor of Education, educational leadership, Saint Louis University; Education Specialist, educational administration, superintendency, University of Central Missouri; Master of Science, industrial vocational technical education, Central Missouri State University; Bachelor of Science, journalism, graphic communications, Northwest Missouri State University; Associate of Arts, general studies, Kansas City Kansas Community College

National ACTE involvement
Member, board of directors: 2022–24; board liaison, Coalition for Workforce Development Through CTE, 2022–24; member, nominating committee: 2017–2020; member, executive director supplemental retirement task force: 2022–23; member, deleted policy task force: 2023; chair, region budget formula task force: 2023; supporter, CTE Support Fund: 2022–23; presenter, ACTE’s CareerTech VISION: 2016, 2023–24; attendee, VISION: 2011, 2014–2023; volunteer, VISION: 2019; attendee, National Policy Seminar: 2019, 2022–24

Regional ACTE involvement
Chair, policy committee: 2022–present; conference presenter: 2023–24; conference attendee: 2016, 2019–2024

State ACTE involvement
President, Missouri ACTE: 2019–2020; president-elect, Missouri ACTE: 2018–19; past president, Missouri ACTE: 2020–21; division president, Missouri Council of Career and Technical Administrators (MCCTA), Missouri ACTE: 2006–07, 2014–15; award winner, Assistant Administrator of the Year, MCCTA: 2017

I have been a member of Missouri ACTE for 26 years, and I have served the Association in a variety of ways during my career.

Other CTE involvement
Technical chair, career Pathways Showcase, SkillsUSA: 2020–present; member, National Education Team, Career Pathways Showcase, SkillsUSA: 2015–2020; contest chair, Career Pathways Showcase, Missouri SkillsUSA: 2011–present

I have served on committees with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, including Effectiveness Index Formula Committee (past), Enhancement Grant Committee (past), Data Committee (past), Industry Recognized Credential Committee (current), AdHoc CTE Funding Committee (past), CTE Marketing Task Force (past).

Application summary
For the past 28 years, I’ve dedicated myself to building strong career and technical education programs. My journey began in the classroom, where I shared my knowledge of graphic arts with students. Over time, I transitioned into leadership roles, serving as director at various institutions, like my current institution: Columbia Public Schools’ Columbia Area Career Center.

But my passion for CTE goes beyond administration. I’ve had the privilege of shaping future CTE educators by teaching courses at the University of Central Missouri, covering both CTE teacher education and CTE leadership. This experience is enriched by the diverse background I bring to the table. Before entering education, I honed my communication and leadership skills in the newspaper and public relations industry and in local government.

My commitment to CTE extends beyond my current role. I actively participate in professional organizations like ACTE, Missouri ACTE, and the Missouri Council of Career and Technical Administrators. And I’m dedicated to supporting SkillsUSA, a national student organization. These experiences allow me to advocate for CTE on the national, regional and state levels.

I believe that CTE plays a vital role in preparing students for their chosen careers, and I’m committed to using my experience and leadership to ensure its continued success. This is my primary motivation in seeking the office of president of ACTE.

Platform statement
As ACTE president, I’m committed to building consensus around ACTE’s vision and goals through active engagement with the board, executive committee, and the executive director. Working collaboratively with the board, I’ll strive to identify and understand member needs and seek innovative solutions to accomplish ACTE’s mission.

Prioritizing member value is crucial for ACTE’s continued growth. Engaged members are the heart of our organization. When a member feels the organization doesn’t offer value, the officers, board, executive director, and ACTE staff need to work collaboratively to continuously assess services and programs to ensure high-quality professional development, effective advocacy, and relevant networking opportunities are available at the national, regional, and state levels. ACTE needs to continue the quality leadership programs to empower members to engage in efforts to expand and enhance the premier professional organization available to CTE professionals across the country.

My father instilled in me the importance of active leadership in making a difference. Just as being a member is important, so is serving. My goal as the president-elect is to use my practical experience as a CTE teacher and leader to actively engage with members and board members, foster open discussions, and communicate transparently to champion ACTE’s mission to provide educational leadership in developing a competitive workforce.

Katy Blatnick-Gagne

Region: III
Division: Family and Consumer Sciences Education; Administration; Work-Based Learning; Counseling and Career Development
Occupation: CTE Curriculum Facilitator

Employment history
CTE curriculum facilitator, Waukee Community School District: 2022–present; education consultant, Iowa Department of Education: 2019–2022; director and faculty, Texas Tech University: 2017–19; program director, Colorado Community College System: 2008–2013; family and consumer sciences teacher, Douglas County School District: 2000–04, 2006–08

Education
Doctor of Education, educational technology leadership, New Jersey City University; Master of Arts, administration and supervision, University of Phoenix; Bachelor of Science, consumer and family studies, Colorado State University

National ACTE involvement
Member, board of directors: 2021–present; member, executive committee: 2024–present; member, nominating committee: 2017–2021; member, bylaws committee: 2020–22; member, executive director benefits and compensation task force: 2022–23; chair, young professionals committee: 2011–12; fellow, National Leadership Fellowship Program: 2009–2010; presenter, ACTE’s CareerTech VISION: 2017; attendee, VISION: 2000, 2004–05, 2008–09, 2017–2024; attendee, National Policy Seminar: 2007–2010, 2015, 2022–24; Techniques contributor: 2011

Regional ACTE involvement
Member, awards committee (Region V): 2005; chair, bylaws committee (Region III): 2020–22, conference attendee (Region V): 2003, 2005; conference attendee (Region III): 2022; award winner, Region V New Professional of the Year: 2003

Divisional ACTE involvement
Member, policy committee: 2021; division session presenter at VISION: 2017

State ACTE involvement
Department of Education board representative, Iowa ACTE: 2020–22; president, Colorado ACTE: 2009–2010, 2015–17; president-elect, Colorado ACTE: 2008–09, 2014–15; past president, Colorado ACTE: 2010–11, 2017–18; treasurer, Colorado ACTE: 2012–14; secretary, Colorado ACTE: 2002–04

Other CTE involvement
Key Leader, Iowa Family and Consumer Sciences Educators (IFCSE): 2020–23; member, IFCSE bylaws committee: 2020–23; president, Colorado Association Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences (CATFACS), 2005–06; president-elect, CATFACS: 2004–05; past president, CATFACS: 2006–07; professional partner, CATFACS: 2008-2013; member, legislation committee, CATFACS: 2007–09; secretary, CATFACS: 2000–02; website consultant, CATFACS: 2006–2017; chair, public relations, CATFACS: 2000–01; award winner, New Professional of the Year, CATFACS: 2001

Application summary
As a long-time CTE educator and active ACTE member, I possess deep knowledge of career and technical education and an unwavering commitment to its advancement. For years, I’ve championed CTE opportunities for all students and educators, and as ACTE president-elect, I would focus on enhancing professional development opportunities, promoting national recognition, and ensuring CTE remains a vital part of preparing our future workforce.

Platform statement
As a dedicated CTE educator with experience across various roles — teacher, state administrator, and now as a CTE curriculum facilitator — I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of high-quality CTE programs. Witnessing students develop real-world skills and launch successful careers is incredibly rewarding. That’s why I’m running for ACTE president-elect: to be a champion for all CTE educators and ensure all students have access to these opportunities.

My unwavering passion for CTE fuels my desire to be a tireless advocate for the field on a national level. My experience allows me to effectively communicate the value proposition of CTE to policymakers, businesses and the public. Furthermore, my proven leadership skills would be instrumental in guiding ACTE’s strategic direction and fostering collaboration within the organization. I envision an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels empowered to contribute.

Furthermore, I believe my lifelong commitment to learning is a crucial asset. The world of work is constantly evolving, and I’m passionate about ensuring ACTE and its members remain at the forefront of innovative practices. As president-elect, I would prioritize initiatives that embrace new technologies and methodologies, keeping ACTE relevant and responsive to the needs of a changing landscape.

Finally, I believe effective communication is key to a successful presidency. I am a highly responsive individual who values open communication and actively solicits feedback from members. This ensures that ACTE remains relevant and responsive to the needs of its membership.

In essence, my passion for CTE, proven leadership skills, enthusiasm for learning, and commitment to responsive communication make me a strong candidate for ACTE’s president-elect position. I am confident that I can effectively advocate for ACTE and its members, ensuring it remains a leading force in shaping the future of CTE and empowering educators to prepare students for fulfilling careers.

Lavyne Rada

Region: III
Division: Agricultural Education
Occupation: Associate Director of Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Employment history
Associate director of teacher recruitment and retention, Lakes Country Service Cooperative: 2024–present; executive director, Minnesota FFA Association: 2022–24; regional program supervisor, Minnesota FFA Association: 2020–22; leadership development coordinator, Minnesota FFA Association: 2014–2020; agriculture teacher, Hutchinson High School: 2008–2014

Education
Doctor of Philosophy, agricultural education, University of Minnesota; Master of Science, technology for education and training, University of South Dakota; Bachelor of Science, agricultural education, South Dakota State University

National ACTE involvement
Award winner, New Teacher of the Year: 2013; presenter, ACTE’s CareerTech VISION: 2004, 2010–12, 2017, 2023; presenter, Teach CTE Conference: 2023

Regional ACTE involvement
Member, audit review committee: 2015–18; award winner, New Teacher of the Year: 2013

State ACTE involvement
Secretary and treasurer, Minnesota ACTE: 2013–present; director, Minnesota CTE Teacher Induction Program: 2021–present

Other CTE involvement
Presenter, National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Convention: 2004, 2010–2012, 2017; attendee, NAAE Convention: 2004, 2010–2012, 2017; board member, Minnesota Foundation for Student Organizations: 2010–present; Minnesota Team Ag Ed: 2014–present; board member, National Professional Agricultural Student Organization: 2021–present; co-director of the Minnesota Teacher Induction Program for Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Educators: 2020–present

Application summary
I am the associate director of teacher recruitment and retention of Minnesota Career and Technical Education through Lakes Country Service Cooperative. I have been involved in ACTE since I was in college, when I attended my first VISION conference. Career and technical education shaped me into the person I am today, and I want to give back to those who helped me and continue to invest in our students each day. I believe the magic of CTE happens locally each day and I want to continue to support our CTE teachers and ACTE members.

Platform statement
Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the future, so I have a desire to foster an environment for CTE teacher retention. I will advocate for strategies aimed at empowering while retaining high-quality CTE teachers. I believe in investing in professional development opportunities that build a network and support system while also refining knowledge and skills for the classroom. I would like to encourage more collaboration across CTE divisions and intentionally have support in place for early career teachers, teachers transitioning between school districts, and teachers looking for continual professional development and support.

Michael Herrera

Region: I
Division: Administration
Occupation: Executive Director

Employment history
Executive director, assistant director, supervisor of CTE, Upper Bucks County Technical School: 2013–present; principal, Hudson Catholic Regional High School: 2012–13; director of CTE and assistant principal, Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School: 2003–2012

Education
Doctor of Education, educational leadership, Saint Elizabeth University; Master of Education, leadership, management, and policy, Seton Hall University; Bachelor of Arts, education, Kean University

National ACTE involvement
Member, bylaws committee: 2023; fellow, National Leadership Fellowship Program: 2022; mentor, National Leadership Fellowship Program: 2023; presenter, ACTE’s CareerTech VISION: 2022; attendee, VISION: 2022–24; delegate, ACTE Assembly of Delegates: 2022–23; attendee, National Policy Seminar: 2022; Techniques contributor: 2020, 2024

Regional ACTE involvement
Member, policy committee: 2023–present; chair, conference committee, Pennsylvania leadership: 2023; chair, bylaws committee: 2023–present; conference presenter: 2024; conference attendee: 2023–24

State ACTE involvement
Member, board of directors, Pennsylvania ACTE: 2023–present

Other CTE involvement
Advisory board member, HealthWorks Academies: 2024–present; member, legislative and comprehensive strategic plan committee, Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators: 2022–present; subject matter expert, CompTIA TechTown: 2023–present; member, National Career Development Association: 2021–present

Offered testimony and spoke on numerous occasions to advocate for CTE; appeared on the NCLA Podcast to discuss prioritizing skilled trades education; served on College in High School Alliance to ensure student participation and success; recognized for innovative best practices in education and community development

Application summary
As the executive director of Upper Bucks County Technical School, I bring over two decades of experience in public education. I am dedicated to transformative initiatives and workforce development. In 2023, I chaired the Region I Conference, fostering collaboration among CTE leaders and advocating for policies to bridge the critical skills gap. My commitment to CTE is reflected in my expert testimony before the Senate Committee on Education and my feature on the NCLA Podcast, emphasizing the importance of skilled trades. I am eager to advance CTE opportunities that lead to sustainable careers for our students.

Platform statement
As Region I vice president-elect, my goals are to leverage my extensive experience and passion for CTE to achieve the following goals.

Enhance workforce readiness: Promote innovative curricula and forge industry partnerships to equip students with the skills needed for family-sustaining jobs. My initiatives, including developing micro-credentials for educators, illustrate my commitment to this mission.

Advocate for CTE-friendly policies: I champion policies that address the skills gap and mitigate the impact of unfunded mandates. My experiences, in national forums and with legislative testimony, equip me to advocate effectively for these critical issues.

Strengthen collaboration and networking: Foster collaboration among CTE leaders, educators, and industry partners through impactful events and initiatives. My leadership in the Region I Conference showcases my ability to unite diverse parties for meaningful dialogue.

Promote skilled trades: Elevate the status of skilled trades in education and workforce development. My contributions to the NCLA Podcast and other publications highlight the urgent need to prioritize these fields in our agendas.

Jonathan Walker

Region: III
Division: Business Education
Occupation: Assistant Professor

Employment history
Assistant professor of business, St. Louis Community College: 2023–present; assistant professor of business education, Culver Stockton College: 2022–23; lecturer, business, Culver Stockton College: 2021–22; business, marketing, and information technology teacher, Kirksville Area Technical Center: 2013–2021

Education
Doctor of Education, P–20 education, Murray State University; Education Specialist, CTE, University of Central Missouri; Master of Business Administration, William Woods University; Bachelor of Arts, business, Hannibal Lagrange University; Associate of Arts, Moberly Area Community College

National ACTE involvement
Attendee, Postsecondary CTE Summit: 2024; presenter, ACTE’s CareerTech VISION: 2023; attendee, VISION: 2021–24; attendee, National Policy Seminar: 2021–23

Regional ACTE involvement
Honoree, Award of Merit: 2024

State ACTE involvement
President, Missouri ACTE: 2022–23; member, executive committee: 2022–24; presented at conferences and before the Missouri State Board of Education; award winner, Postsecondary Teacher of the Year: 2024

Other CTE involvement
Member, CTE Advisory Council, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: 2018–present; published research on business education in the Journal of Education for Business, Education Quarterly, Business Education Forum, and Educational Research Quarterly; honoree, Who’s Who in Missouri Business Education: 2024; parent of a son who graduated from a program for electricians; parent of a son attending a program for lineworkers; parent of a daughter studying agricultural education

Application summary
As a future vice president of business education, I will work to create professional development and educational pedagogies that change classrooms and teacher educational programs to parallel industry changes. As a former business owner, substitute teacher, substitute paraprofessional, special education teacher, high school business teacher in an area career center, and postsecondary business teacher in the four-year university and two-year community college settings, I have a firm grasp on educational issues and the changes that business programs are undergoing. Having advocated for CTE and business education at local, state, and national levels, I am experienced at lobbying for funding and changes to our current educational systems. I am passionate about the opportunities that CTE provides students to become successful after high school. I want to run for this position to further the field of business education in all aspects, making it a profession desirable by all.

Platform statement
As Business Education Division vice president, my foremost goal is to enhance collaboration and communication among members, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed. I aim to facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative ideas, fostering a dynamic environment where professionals can thrive and grow in their respective fields. Additionally, I am committed to championing diversity and inclusion initiatives, striving to create equitable opportunities for all members to participate and succeed. By fostering a sense of unity and collective purpose, I seek to elevate the impact of our division within the broader ACTE community, advancing our shared mission of excellence in career and technical education. I want this position so that I can improve the organization for the benefit of all members. I will be here to help you and your students. A vote for me is a vote for progress.

Mark Branger

Region: V
Division: Business Education
Occupation: Technology and CTE Director

Employment history
Technology and CTE director: Huntley Project School District: 1999–present; executive director, Montana ACTE: 2000–present; business teacher, technology director, Melstone Public Schools: 1986–1999

Education
Administrator (principal) endorsement, Montana State University; Master of Education, educational technology, Montana State University Billings; Bachelor of Science, business education, Eastern Montana College

National ACTE involvement
Vice president serving Region V, ACTE board of directors: 2018–2021; member, audit committee: 2023–present; member, awards task force: 2018; presenter, ACTE’s CareerTech VISION:2015; attendee, VISION: 2000–2024; attendee, National Policy Seminar: 2005, 2019–2020

Regional ACTE involvement
Member, policy committee: 2013–15; 2017–19; chair, policy committee: 2018–2021; member, nominating committee: 2015–present; chair, conference planning committee: 2019; member, legislative and resolutions committee: 2008–2013; member, marketing and new ideas committee: 2006–08; conference presenter: 2014–2024; conference attendee: 2005–2024; honoree, Region V Hall of Fame: 2017

Divisional ACTE involvement
Member, policy committee: 2022–present

State ACTE involvement
Executive director, Montana ACTE: 2000–present; past president, Montana ACTE: 2000; president, Montana ACTE: 1999; president-elect, Montana ACTE: 1998; vice president, Montana ACTE: 1997; conference presenter: 2010–18; award winner, Montana ACTE David Strong Professional Leadership Award: 2013; award finalist, Montana ACTE Teacher of the Year: 2019

Other CTE involvement
President, Montana Business Education Association (MBEA): 1986; executive board member, MBEA: 1992–97; conference presenter, MBEA: 2006–2020; award winner, MBEA Teacher of the Year: 1999; award winner, MBEA Young Teacher of the Year: 1993; conference chair, Western Business Education Association (WBEA): 1997; conference presenter, WBEA: 2015–17; state advisory board member, Business Professionals of America: 1992–97; member, Montana vocational education task force: 1995–96; member, Montana state planning team for Perkins IV: 2006; award winner, Glencoe Publishing Montana Business Teacher of the Year: 1997

Application summary
I currently serve as the Montana ACTE executive director and as the technology and CTE director for the Huntley Project School District in Worden, Montana. I have been a member of ACTE my entire career, which now spans 38 years. I have served as vice president on Region V and for served for two terms on the regional policy committee. I currently serve on the policy committee for the Business Education Division and feel that with my leadership experience I will be able to provide leadership to the Association as vice president of the Business Education Division.

Platform statement
The opportunity to run for vice president of the Business Education Division allows me to continue to give back to ACTE after 38 years in the profession. CTE holds critical answers to economic development, a prosperous workforce and a stable economy. I pledge my energies to provide leadership to our membership as we continue to embark on the task that turns vision into reality. The strength of our Association lies in its core grassroots values, work ethic and value to the American economy. My platform is based upon preserving the strengths that exist and using those strengths to forge new alliances to address the challenges of the future. We must be innovative in our strategic plans to ensure we keep abreast of legislative issues, membership growth and leadership development. ACTE members must look to the future with enthusiasm and embrace change with a passion to succeed and lead. It is an honor to be nominated, and I pledge to passionately work to continue to provide leadership in developing an Innovative and competitive workforce. If elected to serve it will be my privilege to work with all divisions and regions as well as board members to strengthen the Association across state, regional and national levels.

Michael Ogas

Region: IV
Division: Health Science Education
Occupation: Career Specialist

Employment history
Career specialist, Las Cruces Public Schools: 2020–present; teacher, Las Cruces Public Schools: 2016–2020; Surgical Tech III, Presbyterian Hospital: 2008–2016

Education
Master of Education, educational administration, Grand Canyon University; Bachelor of Arts, biology, University of New Mexico; Bachelor of Arts, Spanish, University of New Mexico

National ACTE involvement
Attendee, ACTE’s CareerTech VISION: 2018–2024; attendee, National Policy Seminar: 2021–22

Regional ACTE involvement
Conference presenter: 2022

Divisional ACTE involvement
Member, policy committee: 2023–present; award winner, Health Science Teacher of the Year

State ACTE involvement
President, New Mexico ACTE: 2022–present; president-elect, New Mexico ACTE: 2021–22; secretary, New Mexico ACTE: 2020–21; board chair, Health Science Education Division, New Mexico ACTE: 2019–2020; participated in advocacy event for career and technical student organizations at the state capital

Other CTE involvement
Board chair, New Mexico HOSA – Future Health Professionals: 2020–24

Application summary
I am currently a career specialist who oversees health science work-based learning students. As current president of New Mexico ACTE, I had the honor of hosting the Region IV Conference in what was New Mexico’s largest ACTE conference to date. I believe I am ready to help bridge the gap between our new and veteran teachers and work together to create a strong and successful region.

Platform statement
I look around and see my mentors and role models retiring and leaving our profession. There are not enough experienced or new teachers to replace them. My goal is to bridge the gap between those leaving and those entering the world of education. I want to amplify the voices of both. Each group has ideas they can contribute to the CTE world, and we as board members need to help. I want to grow the young leadership that our Region IV states have to offer. This can be done by utilizing the experience and knowledge of the teachers who are still advocating for career and technical education. Only together can we help to evolve CTE to become what it needs to be to help change our students’ lives.

Jennifer Snyder

Region: IV
Division: Administration; Family and Consumer Sciences Education
Occupation: CTE Coordinator

Employment history
CTE coordinator, Crowley’s Ridge Educational Service Cooperative: 2021–present; family and consumer sciences teacher, Jonesboro Public Schools: 2016–2021; administrative assistant, Arkansas Department of Career Education: 2008–2016

Education
Bachelor of Arts, theatre and dance, English and technical writing, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

National ACTE involvement
Fellow, National Leadership Fellowship Program: 2019; presenter, ACTE’s CareerTech VISION: 2019; attendee, VISION: 2019; 2021–24; blogger: 2019; attendee, National Policy Seminar: 2019, 2021–23; public policy advocate: 2019, 2021–23; mentor, Inclusion, Access, Equity and Diversity Mentorship Program: 2024

Regional ACTE involvement
Member, awards committee: 2017–2020; award winner, New Teacher of the Year: 2020; conference presenter: 2022; conference attendee: 2017–19, 2021–24

State ACTE involvement
Past president, Arkansas ACTE: 2022–23; president, Arkansas ACTE: 2021–22; president-elect, Arkansas ACTE: 2020–21; chair, awards committee: 2017–2020; fellowship director: 2023–present

Other CTE involvement
Member, Arkansas Association of Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences: 2020–present; member, Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators: 2021–present; member, Arkansas Career Development Association: 2024; regional coordinator, Educators Rising: 2022–present

Application summary
Over the past several years, ACTE has helped me grow into the CTE coordinator that proudly serves 16 school districts with more than 11,000 students. My work as the previous Arkansas ACTE president expanded my reach across our great natural state; we successfully initiated individual Perkins-funded memberships so that all CTE teachers, counselors and administrators could benefit from this incredible network. It is my hope as your Region IV vice president-elect that we can continue efforts to increase membership with robust opportunities such as state fellowship cohorts, fully immersive, hands-on professional development, and expanded engagement. As we look to continue building ACTE for the benefit of our members, we must keep in mind that we are shaping tomorrow’s generation.

Platform statement
As I look at the accomplishments made during my time as Arkansas ACTE president, my goal as Region IV vice president-elect is to expand access to all CTE teachers and staff. Perkins-funded memberships are a way to help support and include teachers who are not able to afford the costs of professional memberships. ACTE — the true CTE network — gives educators access to the Techniques magazine, newsletters, conferences, and thousands of CTE contacts. In addition to allowing access for all, I would like for each state in Region IV to adopt a fellowship program for new teachers. And ultimately, I would like all states to adopt this. Teachers having access and attending conferences is one thing, but some teachers have the drive and crave more. Some teachers are natural-born leaders, and we have to grab them while we can.