Ball State University graduate 

Math teacher/ coach in Plymouth 

Assistant Principal in Hobart 

Middle School Principal in Lafayette 

McCutcheon High School principal 

Owner of a Caring Transitions franchise in Westfield/ Noblesville 

Kim Bereman-Hinz recently retired from Fort Wayne Community Schools with over 25 years of service. She was an elementary classroom teacher, a building instructional coach, and a district instructional coach working out of the Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction Department. Kim facilitated the writing of the kindergarten phonics program for the district last year, and most recently completed writing the first-grade phonics curriculum. As a district instructional coach, Kim was responsible for professional learning for K-5 teachers in 36 elementary schools. She worked with teams of teachers coaching through classroom management concerns, student engagement, and instruction. She has led numerous workshops through her involvement with the Northeast Literacy Council and the Indiana State Reading Association. Furthermore, she is a Franklin College graduate with a BA in Journalism, receiving her training certification in 1990 and her Masters of Education in 2000. Kim is past president of the Indiana State Reading Association and is a trained Reading Recovery teacher. She also serves on the Northeast Literacy Council and the Franklin College Alumni Council. Kim is the mother of three sons and has three granddaughters.

Betsy Biederstedt, Ed. Ph.D, is a retired elementary school principal from Carmel Clay Schools after having served CCS for 3 years. Prior to Carmel, Dr. Biederstedt worked in various administrative and teaching positions in Franklin, IN (Elem. Principal – 2 years) and the MSD of Washington Township (Indpls.) (2nd gr. teacher – 2 yrs., 3rd gr. High Ability teacher, 2 years, K-5 Reading Specialist – 2 yrs., Ass’t. Principal – 3 yrs.) During her service, she was recognized as one of 100 National 1st Year Teachers of the Year, completed the Indiana Principal Leadership Academy, worked in the IDOE Gifted & Talented Education programming, and has instructed Pre-K – 12 Curriculum development. Betsy has served in various roles within Administrator Assistance including Interim Principal (Elementary and Middle School), Evaluation of Staff (Pre-K – 12), Curriculum Mapping (Pre-K – 12), Elementary Principal Mentor and Title IX reviews. Dr. Biederstedt earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Butler University (EPPSP Group 10, Go Dawgs!) and her Ed. Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in Educational Leadership from Indiana University – Bloomington. Betsy lives in Westfield, IN with her husband Randy. She has a daughter who has recently graduated from Denison University and a son who is studying Mechanical Engineering at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology.

Xavier Botana retired in July of 2023 after a career spanning almost forty years and roles ranging from instructional assistant to superintendent of schools in urban school settings. He currently serves as a leadership coach for new principals and consults with school districts on a variety of issues. His recent work includes serving as an interim high school principal, conducting a school district staffing study and supporting several superintendent searches.

Xavier retired as superintendent of the Portland Public Schools in July of 2023 after seven years of service in that role. His work there earned him recognition as a leader focused on closing opportunity and achievement gaps including being named the outstanding superintendent for Cumberland County, Maine for 2021 and 2022.

Previously, Mr. Botana served as Associate Superintendent of the Michigan City Area Schools in Indiana for six years. Before that, he held a variety of educational positions at the school and district level, including serving as Chief Academic Officer for the Portland Public Schools in Oregon, and Chief Officer of Instructional Design and Assessment in the Chicago Public Schools. He served in school leadership and teaching roles in Illinois.

Xavier holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and completed his superintendent’s endorsement program at Northwestern University. He lives in Portland with his wife, a Carmel High School and Purdue grad. In Portland, Xavier is actively involved in community non-profit boards. They have a home in Northwest Indiana and travel back and forth throughout the year.

Dennis Cahill (PhD) has been working in public education for more than 46 years. He has been a teacher, principal, superintendent, and executive director of an educational service center during his career. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, leadership development, community engagement and facility planning. He has also served as a facilitator for administrator and school board retreats.

Dr. Carlotta Cooprider is an accomplished educational leader with a rich career in school evaluation, educational program development, and strategic planning. With a Doctorate in Adult, Higher, and Community Education from Ball State University, she has held pivotal roles, such as Founding Dean of the Indiana campus for the Relay Graduate School of Education, where she successfully designed and launched a teacher residency program. Dr. Cooprider’s expertise includes leading impactful initiatives at both the state and institutional levels. At Teach Plus, as the Indiana Region Executive Director, she mobilized teacher leadership programs, leading to educational advocacy that engaged policymakers through testimonials, Op-Eds, and research briefs. Her operational acumen was further demonstrated as Principal of Indianapolis Metropolitan High School, where she increased the graduation rate for at-risk students through an innovative career-pathways curriculum. Her extensive experience also includes directing strategic initiatives for the Indiana Department of Education and contributing to national and state educational conferences and committees. Recognized for her dynamic instructional leadership and commitment to fostering inclusive environments, Dr. Cooprider’s career reflects her passion for school improvement, relationship-building, and educational advocacy. She is also a founding member of the Excel Center network, a leader in providing adult learners with pathways to achieve high school diplomas. Dr. Cooprider is an esteemed member of multiple professional associations and community boards, underscoring her dedication to educational excellence and community development.

Gib Crimmins retired as superintendent of Tri-County School Corporation after a 20 year career. Gib worked in education for 34 years as a math teacher/coach, building administrator, and superintendent. Gib is married to his wife Mindy. They raised four sons and have four granddaughters and one grandson. Gib, along with Steve Wittenauer, started Administrator Assistance in December 2007 to include over 50 team members with over 1,500 years of experience in education. The company was established in order to help school corporations solve challenges. In June 2023, after 16 years as a partner of Administrator Assistance, Gib retired from the corporation. Gib continues to serve as a member of the AA Team.

Trudie has spent 35 years in education as an elementary secretary, payroll supervisor, human resources coordinator, and corporation treasurer. Trudie worked 22 years for Southeast Fountain School Corporation and the last 13 years at Covington Community School Corporation. Responsibilities included payroll, HR, purchasing, grant management and assisting with budget processes. Trudie was IASBO Region 4 Treasurer of the Year in 2011 and 2018. In 2018, Trudie was recognized by the Association of Government Accounts for Outstanding Service in Local Government. In addition, Trudie is the Town Clerk-Treasurer for the Town of Newtown, Treasurer of the Covington-Veedersburg Public Library, serves on the CVPL Board of Finance and serves on the Tipmont REMC Operation Round Up board.

Tom retired in 2020 following 25 years as Indiana superintendent at North Miami, Richland-Bean Blossom, and Wawasee. Before that, Tom served as a Huntington County K-8 principal for 10 years. Tom’s ten-year career as an elementary/middle school teacher began at Yorktown and Norwell. His EdD is from Indiana State University. Mr. Edington’s Administrator Assistance assignments have been at the building level at four schools and as superintendent at Whitko Community Schools.

Becky Essig is an accomplished grant writer with over 34 1/2 years of experience in the field of education and private contract work. She has dedicated a significant portion of her career to enhancing educational opportunities through effective grant management and compliance. Becky developed a deep understanding of the complexities of education and the importance of funding for schools by specializing in local, state, and federal educational grants as a Federal Program Administrator and serving as an elementary administrator. Throughout her tenure, Becky has excelled in various grant programs, including Title I, Title III, NESP, High Ability, and ESSER grants. Her expertise encompasses grant and program development, compliance, and monitoring, making her a vital asset to any educational institution or private organization seeking to optimize its funding strategies. Becky is passionate about ensuring that grants are utilized effectively and efficiently, contributing to the advancement of desired initiatives. In addition to her grant work, Becky has played an integral role in teacher evaluation, supervision, and development, as well as student-teacher management. She also served as a McKinney-Vento Liaison, advocating for the needs of homeless students to ensure they receive the support and resources necessary for their academic success. With a solid understanding of grant compliance and a proven record in grant writing and submission, Becky is poised to assist your district, organization, or foundation in navigating the complexities of grant funding. She will ensure that your resources are allocated where they are most needed, and procedures are in place for expending, monitoring, and compliance of your grants.

1974-90 teacher at Loogootee HS 1990-94 sales rep 1995-2000 AD at North Posey 2000-05 Assistant Principal Clarksville HS 2005-09 Superintendent Clarksville 2009-18 Superintendent New Castle 2018-RETIRED

With over 50 years of knowledge and expertise in public education and working with varying sized school districts, Dr. Gabriel is well-versed in managing benefit programs, developing district budgets, planning long-term successful programs, and more. With degrees from top Indiana Colleges including Indiana University, Purdue University, and Ball State University, Dr. Gabriel is here to help with all your school’s financial needs.

Mrs. Joy Goshert retired in June 2020 as the assistant superintendent for Wawasee Community School Corporation in Syracuse, Indiana. Mrs. Goshert has over thirty years of experience in public education, serving in a variety of roles: assistant superintendent, director of curriculum and instruction, middle school principal, director of alternative education, language arts teacher and athletic coach. She also served as a lead evaluator for schools and on district accreditation teams with Cognia. In her role as director of curriculum and instruction and as assistant superintendent, she was in charge of curriculum development, textbook and materials adoption, state and local assessments, federal and state grants, professional development, district accreditation and served as the corporation’s hearing officer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Goshen College, a Master of Science in Education Administration and Supervision from Indiana University, and an Educational Specialist degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Fortunately, I’ve had many experiences throughout my career in and out of education. I have taught grades K through 6 including special education and/or worked with teachers as a colleague, program coordinator or as a literacy coach. At one time I left the teaching profession and was a coordinator and grant writer working with various county agencies that dealt with families and children. Eventually, I returned to education as a program administrator in a variety of areas such as Title 1, Gifted and Talented and Special Needs Preschool. My strengths include program planning, analyzing data, phonics and reading instruction. I look forward to working with you.

Dr. Rob Haworth’s career encompasses over three decades of leadership experience across K-12 education, collegiate athletics, and most recently the non-profit sector. He spent 12 years as a classroom educator before moving into central office administration for 16 years, where he served as a superintendent at rural, suburban and large urban districts. During his career, he also served as a head varsity basketball and baseball coach, an athletic director and held the role of Vice President at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)in Kansas City. Since retiring in 2023, he has applied his leadership skills to the nonprofit sector, currently contributing to an organization based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

With more than 20 years of experience serving students with disabilities, Linda began her career as a Special Education Teacher with JESSE (Joint Educational Services in Special Education), working with students in Mild Disabilities, Blind/Low Vision, and Orthopedic Impairments. She later served as the Special Education Director for JESSE from 2011 to 2023, providing leadership and oversight for special education programs and services across member districts.

Throughout her career, Linda has been actively involved in the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE), serving on leadership teams at both the local and state levels from 2011 to 2023. Following her tenure at JESSE, she served as a Family Liaison for IN*Source in Northern Indiana from 2023 to 2025, supporting families as they navigated special education services and advocating for meaningful partnerships between schools and families.

In Fall 2024, Linda served as Interim Special Education Director for GLASS (Greater Lafayette Area Special Services), providing leadership and continuity during a period of transition. She currently serves as the Project Lead for the Marshall-Starke United for ALL Abilities Family Network, where she works to strengthen family engagement, community partnerships, and support systems for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Del’s career encompasses stints in both education and business. Prior to moving back to Indiana, he served as an adjunct professor for Charleston Southern University in Charleston, S.C. Before moving South, he was employed for five years as Senior Business Development Manager for the national architectural firm Sitelogiq, Inc. located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He transitioned to Sitelogiq from the position of Director of Business Development and Education for the Indianapolis architectural firm of Odle, McGuire, and Shook. His educational experience includes both K-12 and higher education. After retiring from the superintendent’s position in Indiana, he was appointed Associate Professor and Chair of the Educational Leadership Department at Kennesaw State University, an institution of 47,845 students near Atlanta, Georgia. Utilizing his previous military experience, he followed that appointment by serving as Associate Professor of Education at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina where he taught and directed principal and superintendent candidate internships. Upon leaving The Citadel, he returned to Indiana for nine years holding the position of Assistant Professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Ball State University. His duties at BSU included teaching, directing internships, and directing and serving on doctoral dissertation committees. During his time at Ball State, Del served as BSU’s representative to the statewide University Superintendent Search Team. During his tenure, he assisted in over 145 school district superintendent searches. He also served as the search consultant to Elkhart Community Schools in their most recent superintendent search. His 15-year research expertise is in the area of Feasibility Studies. He’s directed studies for large school districts including Elkhart Community Schools and La Porte Community Schools, medium-sized districts such as Mt. Vernon Community Schools of Fortville, and small school districts including Orleans Community Schools. Del has also consulted with school districts in the areas of choosing the right architect for the right job and in helping school districts determine which type of construction management service would best fit the district’s project scope and budget. Prior to his time in Higher Ed, Del held the position of superintendent of schools in Indiana and Nevada and also held the position of assistant superintendent of schools in Kentucky. He also served one year at the Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Center as the Director of Education for the Indiana Dept. of Correction. During his superintendent tenure in Nevada, Humboldt County Schools was recognized by the Nevada Department of Education for outstanding educational achievement. During his Nevada tenure, he was also appointed to the graduate faculty at the University of Nevada, Reno. Del has presented at numerous national and international conferences and published articles on charter schools, elementary grade level configurations, school facilities, school safety, and the school feasibility process. Del and his wife, Susie, have three adult children and multiple grandchildren. They returned to Indiana last year to be closer to family

Joan Keller is recently retired after 43 years in public and university education and administration. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Evansville, and a Master of Science degree, secondary and elementary administration certificates, an Education Specialist degree, and a Doctor of Education degree from Indiana University, Bloomington. Joan spent 23 years at Shoals Jr.-Sr. High School as a language arts and physical education teacher; 5 total years as a high school principal at Switzerland County High School and North Knox High School; 3 years as elementary principal at Shoals Elementary School; 11 total years as superintendent at North Knox School Corporation, North Spencer County School Corporation, Pike County School Corporation (interim), Shoals Community School Corporation, and Loogootee Community School Corporation; and 2 years as lecturer in Education Leadership at Indiana University Southeast. She lives in Shoals, Indiana, and has two grown sons and eight grandchildren.

Bob recently retired from Eastern Pulaski Schools (Winamac) after serving as their superintendent for 26 years, one of the longest-tenured Superintendents in the State. Of his 41 years in education, 33 years were in various administrative positions including Elementary, Middle School, and High School. In addition to his administrative positions, Bob served as a High School Business Teacher and coached football, basketball, and baseball. Bob earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from The University of Oklahoma and his Ed. S. and Ed.D. from Indiana University. He continues to be involved in his community serving as President of the Pulaski County Alliance for Community Education, Kiwanis Board of Directors, Religious Education Teacher, and a member of the American Legion. Bob and his wife Lynne continue to live in Winamac, Indiana.

After a dedicated 15-year career in the dental field, Karlie transitioned to life at home with her young children before joining the team at Administrator Assistance in 2018. She finds great satisfaction in the variety of tasks her current role offers and truly enjoys the collaborative spirit involved in supporting the Administrator Assistance team of consultants.

Karlie resides just outside of Brookston with her husband, Luke, and their son and daughter. When she isn’t in the office, she is likely found tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, volunteering at her church, or tucked away with a good book. Most of all, she loves being her children’s biggest fan, enthusiastically cheering them on at their various athletic and academic competitions.

Deb dedicated 36 years to the banking industry, building a successful career in consumer, agricultural, and real estate lending before retiring in 2012. She and her husband, John, have called the Brookston area home for more than 30 years. Together, they have two married sons and are proud grandparents to four grandsons.

In her free time, Deb enjoys spending time with family and cheering on her grandsons—Sawyer, Ryder, Kutler, and Slayter—as they participate in a variety of sporting activities.

Randy retired after 35 years in public education, the last 27 years at Western School Corporation. He has served as a secondary math teacher, a high school assistant principal, middle school assistant principal, middle school principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. He also served as an interim elementary principal, middle school assistant principal, and an interim intermediate principal after retirement. Through his various administrative roles, he has experience in negotiations, budget development, textbook adoption, curriculum development, special education, and various state and federal programs and grants. He also has experience in strategic planning, and building project planning, coordination, oversight, and financing. Since retirement, he has also served as a Corporation Representative for Negotiations, and conducted a staffing study to recommend reductions of over $3,500,000.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and his Masters of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision from Ball State University, and his Educational Specialist Degree from Purdue University. He also attended the Indiana Principals Leadership Academy. Along with his educational experiences, he has served on various community committees and boards, as well as on committees and boards with IVY Tech and Indiana University Kokomo. Two honors he is proud of are: the IAAP Boss of the year for 1999-2000, and his nomination as the 2021-2022 District 3 Superintendent of the Year.

Randy is married to Kathleen, who is a Nurse Practitioner. Together, they have three children and three grandchildren. Nikki is also a Nurse Practitioner, Cory is in Construction Management, and Abby works for the IDOE.

David Notary (Ph.D.) has been a Principal and Assistant Superintendent in several districts. He has over 40 years of educational experience with most of it occurring (28) years as an Assistant Superintendent of K-12 instruction. Areas of experience include CTE, testing, instructional programming, personnel and building construction.

Donna spent 26 years as an educator, recently retiring from Brownsburg Community School Corporation. The former English, journalism, mass media teacher, publications adviser and Communications Department head spent the past ten years as the Director of Communications for Brownsburg Schools. During that time, Donna saw the district through several years of rapid growth and the resulting demographic change, construction and communications challenges that presented. An expert at school marketing and strategic and crisis communications, she has developed training, policies and practices for schools in dealing with the media, social media, and a variety of communications issues. She was the first in Indiana to develop a unique “community academy” concept – CAST, which has, not only improved the knowledge of how schools function for hundreds of community members, but also significantly increased advocacy for schools. Donna has also trained hundreds of staff and school leaders in customer service and community engagement practices. Donna, along with a handful of other school public relations professionals, was responsible for reestablishing the Indiana Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association, served as its president for two years and now is its Executive Director.

Gregg Pettit is a retired Superintendent/Principal in Ohio. Gregg has served in several interim administration positions since retirement in 2014, and has completed teacher evaluations for several school districts on the Indiana/Ohio border. Gregg is also an educational in-service motivational speaker, and his topic of “Be the Teacher of the Year in your Student’s Eyes” has earned him numerous accolades and appearances at several schools and universities. Gregg is married to a retired teacher Fawn, and has three children and two grandchildren

Paul served as business manager/treasurer of Crawfordsville Schools from 1987 until he retired in July of 2009. Prior to serving as business manager/treasurer, Paul was the principal at Willson and John Beard Elementary Schools. He has also taught classes for Ivy Tech and Purdue University. Paul is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Indiana State Transportation System, as well as the IASBO Board of Directors. Paul enjoys woodworking, reading, consulting work, and his grandchildren.

Dawn retired as superintendent of Greencastle Community School Corporation in 2016. Following her 24 years as a language arts teacher at the secondary level, she earned her Masters in Educational Administration from Ball State University and served as the Technology Integrator from Greencastle Schools for four years. She then served as the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Curriculum for Greencastle for four years before being named Superintendent.

Kieth Puckett is the retired High School and Middle School Principal from South Putnam Community School Corporation. While at South Putnam, Mr. Puckett served in many capacities but is most proud of leading his high school to “Four Star” status. Kieth began his career as an English teacher at Cloverdale and South Putnam for 14 years before becoming the South Putnam Athletic Director for twelve years. As AD, he was named the Executive Director of the West Central Conference. In 2006, Mr. Puckett began a successful ten-year stint as Middle School and High School Principal. While Kieth is well-known for his success coaching varsity boys’ basketball cross country, his passion involved graduating from the initial class of School Safety Specialists in 1999. After retirement, Mr. Puckett served as a mentor in the INALI program and worked for the DOE as a school safety plan auditor.

Eric spent 34 years in public education as the CFO of four different school corporations….Peru Community Schools, Marion Community Schools, Kokomo-Center Twp. Consolidated School Corporation and Lafayette School Corporation. Prior to that he was a Field Representative with the Department of Local Government Finance (then the State Board of Tax Commissioners) for 4 years and an internal auditor in a bank for 4 years. A school-career long member of Indiana Association of School Business Officials, Eric was President of IASBO in 2004-05, been a Regional Director in two different IASBO regions, and been a 12-year presenter for IASBO at many seminars, certification courses, as well as a main presenter at the IASBO 4-part School Budget Workshop. Retired from Lafayette School Corporation in June 2023, Eric now serves as a consultant with Administrator Assistance.

Following a servant’s heart and an understanding that student growth is the reason for our work, Dave spent over 36 years fostering the learning of students and fellow educators. As a principal for 26 of those years, Dave developed deep relationships with and has grown teachers to reach their maximum as they grew their students academically, socially and emotionally. Dave has led very unique schools at both the elementary and middle levels.

During his time as a leader at a Title I school, Dave was recognized by the Indiana Department of Education as a Distinguished Principal which led to him being able to mentor other Title schools throughout Indiana.

Terry spent 42 years in public and university education and administration before semi-retiring in 2017. A native of Elkhart, Indiana, he holds degrees from Indiana State University, Indiana University, and a doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University in educational leadership and administration. After twelve years serving as a history teacher in the Lakeland and Jennings County School Corporations, in 1986 he became Director of the Purdue University Southeastern Extension Center and went about bringing additional higher education opportunities to the southeast corner of the state. In 1994, Terry came back to public education; first as assistant principal and athletic director, and then as principal of South Decatur High School in Greensburg. In 2002, he became principal of Logansport High School where he led the school to prominence as a National Model School, and where he was also a finalist in 2004 for Indiana High School Principal of the Year. In 2006, Sargent became Superintendent of Southwestern Consolidated Schools of Shelby County. In July 2011, he became Superintendent of Jennings County Schools in North Vernon, Indiana. Terry served as a member of the adjunct graduate education faculty at Indiana Wesleyan University (1995-2011). He received recognition in 2009 from the Harvard Graduate School of Education for his work in Universal Design for Learning. He has been active in various professional organizations including IASP, IAPSS, IUSA, and ISRSA. He is currently Vice President for Business Development for Lancer Associates Architecture, the award-winning architectural firm in Indianapolis. Terry’s wife Terri is a retired award-winning fourth-grade teacher who spent her 40-year career at Hayden Elementary in Jennings County. The Sargent’s have been married for 48 years and have two children and six grandchildren.

Cynthia Scroggins is an experienced educational executive and former Superintendent with leadership experience in district operations, instructional leadership, strategic planning, fiscal management, labor relations, and school improvement. Over the course of her 25 year career in education, she served as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principal, and Educator in the School City of Whiting; bringing a strong student-centered and collaborative approach to leadership. During her tenure as a Superintendent, Cynthia was named the 2024 IAPSS District I Superintendent of the Year.

Cynthia currently serves as an Indiana Associate with Neola, Educational Consultant with Administrator Assistance, and Adjunct Faculty Student Teaching Supervisor at Valparaiso University, supporting school districts through policy guidance, leadership support, and professional development. Cynthia continues to be passionate about supporting schools, developing educators, and building strong community partnerships.

Marc Slaton is a seasoned administrator with a rich career spanning over three decades in the field of education. Born with a passion for teaching and leadership, Marc has dedicated his life to fostering learning environments that inspire both students and educators alike. Marc earned his undergraduate degree from Hanover College, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavors in education. He furthered his academic journey by obtaining a Master’s degree and an Administration License from Indiana University Southeast. Committed to lifelong learning, he achieved his Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) from Oakland City University, equipping himself with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to lead educational institutions effectively. His career commenced as a teacher, where he spent six impactful years shaping young minds. Marc’s commitment to student development led him to coaching, where he inspired athletes and fostered teamwork for eleven years. Following his passion for leadership, he transitioned into administration, serving as a building-level administrator for a decade. He then advanced to the role of assistant superintendent for 2.5 years, before taking on the responsibilities of superintendent, a position he held for twelve years. Throughout his career, Marc has been dedicated to enhancing educational programs and improving the overall school experience for students and staff. Beyond his professional life, Marc values his time spent in the community and with his family. He is an active member of his church and enjoys reading, which allows him to continually expand his knowledge and interests. Marc is married to his lovely wife, Shawna, and together they cherish their time with their two adult children, Andrew (23) and Meredith (19). As a leader in education, Marc Slaton remains committed to creating positive change and fostering a culture of excellence in the schools he serves. His dedication to education, family, and community continues to inspire those around him.

Ryan spent 41 years in public education, all at Northwestern School Corporation in Howard County. The former physical education teacher/coach also served as an assistant principal, middle school principal, high school principal and finally concluded his career after 21 years as the Superintendent at Northwestern. Throughout his career he led multiple contract negotiations, building projects, budget hearings, and other issues that arose in the schools. But most importantly was the leader of a high performing school corporation that received many accolades including four-star shool designations as well as Blue Ribbon Awards for the high school.

In addition to his responsibilities at Northwestern, Ryan also provided leadership to state and national superintendent organizations, service centers, study councils, and insurance trusts. He continues to contribute to public education through his work with Administrator Assistance and his role serving as an Associate for Neola, providing school board policy consultation to over 25 Indiana school boards in the northern part of the state.

Brad Snyder has been a life long public servant for the public schools of Indiana. His work includes work stops at Clinton Central, Adams Central, Dekalb Eastern, Lebanon, and New Albany – Floyd County. After spending his initial years as a teacher and coach, Snyder went on to earn a Doctorate in School Administration from Indiana University in Bloomington. Then, he spent his public career working in various roles in central school administration. He worked for the Lebanon School Central Office from 1987 to 1993. Then, he finished his administrative career with New Albany – Floyd County Schools for his remaining 29 years – 7 as Assistant Superintendent for Business, 15 as Deputy Superintendent, and the final 6 as Superintendent. He was President of IASBO in 2000. In 2004, Snyder was named IASBO School Business Manager of the Year. During his career, Snyder has built several new schools while also closing several old ones. He has worked on numerous bond issues and facilitated redistricting and demographic studies. He has hired and has also laid off staff and has led many referendum efforts while working with hundreds of individual School Board members. He has negotiated labor contracts and problem- solved community complexities. His experience in School Operations and Finance is well documented. Snyder has also published several scholarship articles in professional journals relating to his related fields of interest. Snyder retired in 2023 and now lives in Lafayette, IN.

Dennis Stockdale is an accomplished educational leader with more than 30 years of experience in K–12 public education, including 16 years as a public-school superintendent. Throughout his career, Dennis has been recognized for visionary leadership, community engagement, and his commitment to academic excellence and responsible stewardship.

As superintendent of Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School District and East Washington School Corporation, Dennis led major facility and capital projects, including the planning and construction of the new 21st Century Garrett High School, which was recognized nationally as one of the country’s best high schools. He also guided community-driven planning processes, energy-efficiency initiatives, and the implementation of a 2.3 MW solar array at East Washington.

Dennis’s leadership has earned statewide and national recognition, including the Indiana School Board Association’s 2017 Lorin A. Burt Outstanding Educator Award and recognition by Newsweek as one of fifteen educational leaders to learn from. He brings a wealth of experience in school leadership, strategic planning, facilities, community engagement, and sustainable practices.

Recognized for her passion, insight, and practical approach, Shari has spent more than 30 years empowering educators to elevate teaching and learning. With a deep background in curriculum, instruction, and professional development, she brings both heart and expertise to every conversation.

As a former Director of Curriculum and Instruction, she has led district-wide initiatives that resulted in top state rankings and lasting academic gains. Known for her ability to build relationships and bring clarity to complex challenges, she supports educators with strategies that are both visionary and actionable—always grounded in what’s best for students.

Steve Wittenauer was involved in public education for 37 years. He held positions as a teacher, elementary, middle and high school principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. Wit retired as superintendent of the Benton Community School Corporation in December of 2007.

Wit along with Dr. Gilbert Crimmins started Administrator Assistance in January of 2008. The company started with 4 team members and has grown to include over 50 team members with over 1500 years of experience at all levels of public education. Wit became the sole owner/manager of Administrator Assistance in June of 2023. Administrator Assistance has been developed to provide school corporations with affordable assessments, solutions, and guidance through the services of a network of successful professionals and administators.

Born and raised Hoosier BS in Special Education – Ball State University MS in Special Education – University of St. Francis Special Education teacher (21 years) Director of Special Education administration (25 years) – Experience with Single school corporation, Multi-corporation Special Education planning district, and Educational Management Company. ICASE member (retired) – served on Fiscal Audit Committee, Executive Committee -Roundtable representative, Nominating Committee and Legislative Committee. Served as an elected municipal official for 8 years and was an Executive Committee member of Indiana Association of Cities and Towns.

Karen Zackfia, CPA, CGMA Eight Years as Field Examiner for the Indiana State Board of Accounts – auditing an array of local governmental units and participating in special fraud investigations. Five Years as Corporation Treasurer at North Newton School Corporation and 24 Years as Director of Business and Finance at North Newton School Corporation – her wide-ranging responsibilities included all accounting and financial reporting, budget development and implementation, revenue/receipts, expenditures/accounts payables, cash management, grant management, payroll, construction, human resources and administrator for various computer software systems i.e. Frontline AESOP 2007 IASBO Treasurer of the Year and Region 4 Treasurer of the Year 2016 IASBO School Business Official of the Year and Region 4 School Business Official of the Year