International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Names Brian Lewis as Chief Executive Officer

WASHINGTON, June 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Holly Jobe, President of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), announced today the appointment of Brian Lewis as Chief Executive Officer. "These are exciting times for ISTE's mission -- to advance excellence in learning and teaching through innovative and effective uses of technology. We are so pleased to have a seasoned leader and visionary like Brian Lewis to work with our board and staff to lead ISTE into the future," said Jobe.

Education advocacy, a commitment to equity and a focus on the best interests of students have been the building blocks of Lewis' career. He joins ISTE following a distinguished 25-year career in both the public and private sectors, as an association leader in a number of non-profit organizations, education advocate and reformer, and as an elected school board member. He is well known as a strategist, collaborator and communicator who engages and honors colleagues and stakeholders. Most recently, Lewis served as the Chief Strategy Officer and Interim CEO for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) where he managed a $47M annual operating budget. He previously served as Executive Director of the California Association of School Business Officials and was Director of Governmental Relations for the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association.

"Our very future depends on how we address the issues of merging technology and instruction, and ensuring that all students have access to the tools that transform their educational experience and, ultimately, their lives. I can't imagine a better time or place to be taking on this important effort, working with ISTE's exceptional volunteer leaders, staff and partners," said Lewis. "It's an honor and a privilege to be a part of this extraordinary organization at this pivotal moment."

Lewis will be introduced to nearly 20,000 educators and education technology representatives from around the world at the Opening Plenary Session at ISTE's 33rd Annual Conference and Exhibition being held in San Diego this week.

"ISTE is an important organization in our national education space and I am pleased to support its leaders who are working to bring innovative technology solutions to this generation of learners," said Karen Cator, Director of the Office of Educational Technology, at the U.S. Department of Education. "I wish Brian and ISTE the very best as they transition leadership."

Don Knezek, having served as ISTE's CEO for ten years, will be departing in September.

ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in advancing learning and teaching through innovative and effective uses of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Founded in 1979, ISTE has become the trusted source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy, and leadership for innovation. Home to the NETS -- a comprehensive framework for digital age learning, teaching and school leadership -- and ISTE's annual conference and exposition, the Society supports its members with information, networking opportunities, and guidance as they face the challenge of transforming education. www.iste.org

ISTE represents more than 100,000 education leaders and emerging leaders throughout the world and informs its members regarding educational issues of national and global scope.

The national search for ISTE's CEO was managed by Association Strategies, Inc., in Alexandria, Va.

SOURCE ISTE