2005 elections for ACTE Board of Directors.

Members of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) will choose a president-elect for the association and vice presidents for Region I and the Marketing Education Division. The ACTE president-elect will serve one year in that office, beginning July 1, 2005, followed by one year as president, and one year as past-president. The Region I and the Marketing Education Division vice presidents will be elected for three-year terms, beginning July 1, 2005. (Please note: The Marketing Education Division is below the required minimum 1,200 members. If the minimum is not met by June 30, 2005, the Division Vice President position on the Board will cease to exist. It is ACTE's hope that the elected candidate will be able to take her seat on the Board on July 1, 2005.)

The two nominees for president-elect and four nominees for vice president were chosen through official ACTE procedures. Nominating committees interviewed and nominated candidates for positions on the ACTE Board of Directors. Nominees for ACTE president-elect were then presented to the ACTE Assembly of Delegates, which met during the ACTE convention in Las Vegas. Nominees for the region and division offices were submitted to their respective divisions and regions at the annual business meetings held during the ACTE Convention and certified by the ACTE Nominating Committee.

All ACTE affiliate, standard, direct, and life members whose membership dues were received at ACTE headquarters by January 15, 2005, are eligible to vote. All eligible members may vote for president-elect; members of all divisions and/or regions holding elections are also eligible to vote in those elections.

This issue of Techniques contains a complete listing of nominees presented in alphabetical order, by office. Please review the biographical information and platform statements for nominees and exercise your right to vote for the future leadership of ACTE. This information as well as answers to key questions posed to the candidates is posted on the ACTE Web site at www.acteonline.org.

This year we will be conducting elections both electronically and via mail ballots. lf ACTE has your e-mail address, your ballot will be sent electronically. For those members receiving a paper ballot, an envelope will be enclosed to return your ballot to Election Services Corp. in Garden City, New York, which has been chosen to audit the tabulation of results for the Board of Directors Elections. You will receive an Election Validation Number that must be used to vote by mail ballot or electronically. Voting will be open February 1. Completed ballots must be postmarked by March 1, 2005, to be valid. Ballots will be counted and audited at the offices of Election Services Corp. by March 15, 2005. Results will be posted immediately on the ACTE Web site and announced in the May issue of Techniques magazine.

ACTE President-Elect

Name: James W. Comer

Occupation: Field Service Coordinator

Employment History: Field Service Coordinator, Oklahoma Dept of Career & Technology Ed (1998-2004); Client Program Coordinator, Oklahoma Dept of Vocational & Technical Ed. (1994-1998); SET/SBM Coordinator, Autry Technology Center (1990-1994); Marketing Director, Enid Credit Bureau (1988-1990); Assistant Business Manager, St. Mary's Hospital (1986-1988); Executive Vice President, Oakwood National Bank (1982-1986); Officer, Allied Bank, First National Bank and Liberty National Bank (1972-1982)

Education: BBA--Economics, Central State University

ACTE Involvement:

Division: NRS Selection/Interview Committee; Treasurer CBITS Section of NRS; CBITS President-Elect; CBITS President; ACTE Conference Presenter

Region: Region Conference Attendee and Presenter; CBITS Program Planner; Interview Committee

Committees: ACTE Bylaws Committee; ACTE Editorial and Publications Committee; ACTE Membership Committee

Other National, State and Local Involvement: OkACTE President; President, Treasurer and Secretary--CBITS Division; NRS Vice President; Conference Planning Committee; Quality Award Examiner (Malcom Baldrige Criteria); Served as Chair or President in the following organizations--American Heart Association; Boy Scouts of America, Business Incubator Association and Kiwanis

Platform Statement:

ACTE has already faced many challenges, and it will face many more. These challenges may seem daunting, but they are not insurmountable. I see them as opportunities for our association to reach its full potential, and with that will come many benefits for our members. Some of these benefits will be increased services, additional opportunities for professional development, and a level of networking and idea sharing beyond our greatest expectations!

I know the fires of controversy and conflict will temper ACTE to be stronger, more responsive, and better positioned to fulfill our members' needs. Through the discussion of change, I believe many new leaders will emerge. These leaders of the future will introduce new ideas and innovative solutions never before thought of. They will bring new skills and perspectives.

And yet, those leaders who have worked so tirelessly over the past years will not just fade away. They will serve as mentors to guide and encourage this next generation of dynamic and dedicated members.

One of the most important roles of our president is recruiting future officers and committee members. The president must be proactive in this effort and not wait for these future leaders to come forward. The president must also be a visionary--someone who will offer far-reaching proposals to energize and motivate our members. The president must be an excellent communicator, and just as importantly, a good listener who is willing to approach members and ask for their ideas, concerns, and needs.

As your president-elect, I pledge to increase the opportunity for professional development, including "future leader" workshops and seminars. I will pursue the best technology available to accomplish these goals. I will appoint ad hoc committees to reach out for more ideas and use existing committees to establish pathways to success. I will pursue quality award recognition for our association and strive to always consider divisional and regional needs. I would appreciate your vote.

Name: Robert E. Scarborough

Occupation: Director, External Operations, Adult Workforce Development Division

Employment History: Director, External Operations AWDD, Great Oaks (7/89-Present); Executive Vice President & CEO, Stacey Manufacturing Co. (3/88-6/89); President & CEO, Greater Cincinnati Industrial Training Corp. (10/83-3/88); Executive Director, Industry Council of Greater Cincinnati (7/80-10/83); Director, Adult Education, Cincinnati Public Schools (9/79-6/80); Teacher Educator, University of Cincinnati (4/76-9/79); Utility Foreman, Ford Motor Company (6/74-4/76); Teacher/Coach, Cincinnati Public Schools (9/72-6/74)

Education: M.A., Education, University of Cincinnati; B.S., University of Cincinnati

ACTE Involvement: ACTE Member (1975-Present); ACTE AWDD Vice President and ACTE Board member (7/03-Present); ACTE Executive Committee (7/04-Present); Organizational Review Task Force (8/03-Present); ACTE Program Task Force (2004); ACTE Bylaws Committee (7/04-Present); Communities of Practice Core Team (11/04-Present)

Division: ACTE National Conference Presenter--National Pilot Program with General Electric (1985); Creating New Partnerships and Collaborations (1990); Project HIRE (1997)

Other National, State and Local Involvement: Ohio ACTE: Past President Ohio ACTE (1/2004-Present); President Ohio ACTE (7/2002-12/03); President-Elect Ohio ACTE (2001-2002); Chairman, Futures Forum for Ohio ACTE (2001); President--AWD, Administrative Section (8/2001-8/2002); Southwest Ohio Regional Director (1999-2000); Ohio ACTE Member (1975-present); Ohio ACTE AWD member (1989-present); National Council of Local Administrators (1989-present);

Executive Committee, Knowledge Works Foundation Ohio Bridges to Opportunities Initiative; Leadership Cincinnati Alumni Education Committee; Board Member, Southwest Ohio One Stop Center; Vice Chairman, Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Policy Board Youth Council; Chairman Fairfield City Schools Tax Levy, Community Chest (United Way) Monitoring and Evaluation Committee

Platform Statement:

ACTE can and should be the leading national professional organization in career and technical education. In Washington and elsewhere, ACTE should be the best advocate for CTE. Younger teachers, professors, administrators and others should see us as vital to their becoming leaders in our profession.

I am seeking to become your president-elect because I believe in the value of ACTE. I believe in our role as an advocate for CTE nationally and on the state level. We can be the best source of knowledge and professional tools for our members as they work to advance in their careers.

The Organization Review and Assessment Task Force has highlighted the fragmentation of our organization, the need for us to work more effectively with other organizations, and, above all, the need to provide better educational programs for our members.

My proposal is that we focus on unity, collaboration and membership.

First, unity. Over the decades, ACTE has become divided into silos. Groups in the organization compete rather than working together. We need to unite on the common goal of developing a competitive American workforce.

Second, collaboration. Let's raise our sights and seek out Chambers of Commerce, community colleges, and other professional organizations. Through collaboration, we can share best practices more widely and effectively. We can do a better job of aligning what students are learning with the real needs of business and industry.

Finally, membership. ACTE's membership is shrinking and aging. Seventy-six percent of our members are over 50 years of age. To attract new members--and younger members--we must create programs to share best practices, to connect more effectively with business and industry, and to advocate the value of CTE with the state and federal governments. We can make ACTE not only relevant to the younger members of our profession, but vitally important.

Meet Your 2005-2006 President-Elect Candidates

1. Why do you seek the office of President-elect?

COMER: I see myself as a part of the bridge between the experienced and seasoned veterans of our profession and the newer members who are still gaining knowledge and skills in career tech education. As your president-elect, I want to help bind the rich legacy and history of our profession, Career Tech Education, with the exciting and challenging future. As your president, I will work to be a good communicator, but just as importantly, I will be a good listener. I will seek out the ideas and opinions of our members on issues that will affect ACTE and the future of our profession. I will then use this information to implement necessary changes to improve the association.

SCARBOROUGH: As President-elect, I will have the opportunity to serve Career and Technical Education through my leadership in the Association for Career and Technical Education. Career and Technical Education provides individuals a pathway to economic independence while providing business and industry with a pool of skilled workers. In this time of economic recovery, it is critical that ACTE form partnerships and work hand in glove with economic development organizations and federal and state governments. Through these collaborations, the career and technical education community can maximize their limited resources to provide exemplary programs and services to secondary students and adult learners.

In order for ACTE to be a powerful force, we must work together across disciplines. In my experience I have seen what can be achieved when people cooperate to reach common goals. I look forward to bringing together career and technical professionals, business and industry leaders, governmental agencies and other educational organizations to build a workforce coalition that promotes individual and economic growth throughout the United States. Our success depends on collaboration and cooperation--these are our future.

2. How will your background and experience contribute to your role as a leader in ACTE?

COMER: I have had the opportunity to visit with many of our new members as well as those with years of experience, and I am always encouraged with the passion of the classroom teachers, counselors, and administrators in our profession. I have spent time in the classroom, and I have gained insight by visiting schools and programs in eight different states.

I have also served as the state president for two different organizations, OkACTE and our state business incubator association. My banking background will be helpful as we discuss the financial future of ACTE. My work experience in hospital administration and owning and operating my own manufacturing company will be helpful as we look at the role of ACTE in workforce training.

SCARBOROUGH: For the past 15 years, I have directed adult workforce development programs at Great Oaks in southwest Ohio. My career in Career and Technical Education began as a high school business education teacher. My experience as Teacher Educator at the University of Cincinnati and as Executive Director of the Industry Council of Greater Cincinnati launched a career in building relationships between the educational and business communities. These relationships were instrumental in bringing in new businesses while retaining existing businesses in Greater Cincinnati. As a result I led a Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce Council that represented major corporations and small businesses in developing occupational skills training programs.

In my current role, I have continued to develop partnerships in order to provide a skilled workforce that meets the needs of our economic region. I believe that this experience, combined with my leadership roles within Ohio ACTE and ACTE, provide me the knowledge and skills necessary to lead ACTE. During my terms as President-elect and President of Ohio ACTE, my executive team increased membership, strengthened lines of business, redesigned Ohio ACTE's Annual Conference and developed an operational structure to align vision and mission to the work of the association. My ACTE role as vice-president of the Adult Workforce Division has expanded my understanding of Career and Technical Education and what is needed to connect Career and Technical Education to the economy.

3. How do you see the national dialogue on education reform impacting career and technical education and what should ACTE's role be in this dialogue?

COMER: The movement to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs and courses with laws such as No Child Left Behind has placed greater emphasis on the ability of vocational programs to help in this process. I believe Career Tech Education has a bright future, because we make academics relevant! CTE will turn low-performing students and in-school dropouts into academic success stories and into high performers in the workplace.

ACTE must take this story to local administrators and school boards, state legislators, departments of education, and to the Congress of the United States. ACTE must develop its web-based presence as well as an ever-expanding circle of leaders and partners to speak on our behalf.

SCARBOROUGH: As the national dialogue on education reform continues, Career and Technical Education will be held accountable for results. These include achievement on high-stakes testing in academic proficiency and career and technical competency, attendance, graduation rate, placement, and the number of students who continue on to higher education. We have always celebrated our success rates in these areas within the Career and Technical Education community. Now we have the opportunity to promote our success to all stakeholders that include students, parents, business, industry, labor and government entities.

Therefore, it is imperative that ACTE has a presence in educational reform especially with the Office of Vocational and Adult Education. We are experienced and talented Career and Technical Education professionals who have the ability to listen to one another as well as to business and industry to develop the standards and guidelines necessary for the success of our secondary students and adult learners. ACTE must be the voice for Career and Technical Education with Congress, the Department of Education and the Department of Labor.

4. Demographics show that 76 percent of ACTE members are over the age of 50. What are the implications for our Association and what strategies would you employ to respond to those implications?

COMER: Every year, we are losing dedicated, hard-working members of ACTE. Fortunately, every year we are gaining new dedicated, hard-working members.

The two challenges that we face are working to get the new career tech educators to join our Association, and to instill the legacy of our Association into this new generation of leaders. Part of the legacy is to keep the organization strong by encouraging the younger members.

I will utilize technology that is available, such as: the Internet, web-based broadcasts, and distance learning for conducting focus groups, town hall meetings, and even board meetings to allow increased involvement of our members. I will bring together a group of seasoned members with a group of newer members to discuss their professional needs and the future of ACTE. I will also increase the involvement and membership of retired members. This group can be our greatest advocate at the local level.

SCARBOROUGH: ACTE's membership mirrors the majority of today's workforce both in education and in business. The challenge to keep our organization vital and relevant depends on attracting and keeping younger members. ACTE's current membership is in the position to mentor younger members while providing leadership opportunities. It is crucial that our members who represent the Silent and Boomer Generations recognize the need for change and design a structure to accomplish this change. The Gen-X and Millennials value individuality and adapt readily to change. Creating a forum that represents each of these four groups will enable ACTE to plan and create an organization that brings value to all.

The ACTE of 2005 and beyond will provide opportunities for career and technical educators to grow professionally while strengthening Career and Technical Education in the educational system and the economic system.

5. Should there be greater collaboration between the education and workforce entities and what do you see as ACTE's role in this effort?

COMER: I have served on economic development councils as well as chambers of commerce committees for workforce development. I also hold professional certification in economic development. Bringing business and labor to the table for collaboration and partnering will strengthen ACTE. Discussion at these meetings always focuses on our ability to deliver competent, well-trained workers and leaders to all levels of a company. I will assure you this talk is taken to the halls of Congress, where our business partners speak well of us. Yes, we must develop stronger partnerships and greater collaboration.

SCARBOROUGH: Collaboration with workforce entities is mandatory in developing a skilled workforce. By leveraging limited fiscal and human resources we can forge ahead in meeting the demands of employment growth. It is imperative that ACTE impacts the economy through the promotion of Career and Technical Education at local, state, regional and national levels. Collaboration at the national level with the United States Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, Department of Education and Department of Labor will demonstrate the value and need for Career and Technical Education in the United States.

Through a new ACTE Best Practices program, government and other workforce entities will have a clear understanding of the impact of career and technical education on the economy. Whether Career and Technical Education is delivered at a comprehensive high school, at a career and technical center, and/or at a Career Academy, the results of Best Practices will show the impact on increased program retention, job placement, job retention, higher wages, wage increases, and/or advancement to higher education. Our economy requires the skilled workforce ACTE members work daily to develop.

ACTE Vice President for Region I

Margaret A. Hess

Occupation: Superintendent

Employment History: Superintendent, Warren County Career Center (9/04-present); Dean of Instruction, Great Oaks (7/89-9/04); Supervisor/Special Education, Hopewell SERRC (1/84-6/89); Instructor, Clermont Co MRDD (8/78-1/84)

Education: M.Ed., Administration and Special Education, University of Cincinnati; B.S., Elementary Education and Special Education, Georgia State University; Principal and Superintendents Certificate, Xavier University 

ACTE Involvement:

Region: Ohio Region I representative; Region I meeting participant and attendee; Region I Conference Presenter

Committees: Served on Publications and Awards Committees

Other National, State and Local Involvement:

NCLA member; President Ohio ACTE (three-year term); President Ohio Special Needs Division; Ohio Region 8 Board member for OCTA (Ohio Career Technical Administrators)

Platform Statement:

I am proud to be a member of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and believe that our professional organization is vital to the future of career/technical education in our nation. ACTE must continue to actively involve and support all of our members. I would consider it a privilege to serve you as the Region I vice-president and to be involved in setting and planning direction for our Association. As career/technical educators, we need to recognize that we have many challenges facing our organization and our profession. We have an obligation to be seated at the table with the policymakers and our business and educational partners as improvements in the career/technical education system are debated and decided. ACTE is the vehicle for ensuring we are actively involved at the national level.

However, ACTE will not be strong unless we work together to increase membership. ACTE membership from Region I has been declining yet we are comprised of many states that have a history of supporting and valuing career/technical education. I believe that if we work together we will not only increase our membership but also actively engage our members.

If elected, I will work closely with our ACTE Board of Directors, Region I State Associations and the Region I Board to increase communications; improve professional development opportunities and increase membership.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Kevin J. O'Donnell

Occupation: Administrative Director

Employment History: Administrative Director, Mifflin- Juniata CTC (2002-present); Cooperative Ed. Coordinator, Wilkes Barre AVTS (1994-2002); At-Risk Youth Pilot Program, Wilkes Barre AVTS

(1987-1994); Substitute Teacher, Wilkes Barre Areas School Dist. (1984-1987)

Education: M.S., Workforce Education and Development, The Pennsylvania State University; B.A., English and Secondary Education, King's College 

ACTE Involvement:

Division; Region; Committees: Grant Writer; Administration of Adult Education Program; Worked with Pilot Program to assist "at-risk" youth; Served as Speaker and Presenter as an advocate for career and technical education

Other National, State and Local Involvement:

State Conference Presenter; Business Entrepreneur/Owner; host of local television show entitled "The Northeast Golf Show with Kevin O'Donnell"(nearly five-year run)

Platform Statement:

In alignment with the goals and objectives set forth by ACTE, it is my hope that I will be able to promote and advance the common hopes and visions that I share with ACTE. The views will be tempered with a global awareness of those strategies and alliances that will help foster development of ACTE.

Furthermore, it will be my goal to draw on my strengths to increase strategic awareness of ACTE through bipartisan political support at the state and federal level which will involve but not be limited to; lobbying efforts, bolstering CTC perception through promotion, and most importantly the effort to further develop a positive perception of what Career and Technical Education contributes to the community as a whole.

I believe that my background in workforce development, civic duties, and community involvement will be a strong asset in my ability to help lead our fine organization to reach new heights.

ACTE Marketing Education Division

Tammie Carlson

Occupation: Marketing Management Teacher

Employment History: Marketing Management Teacher, Tri County Technology Center, (2000-Present); Fashion Merchandising and Marketing Research Teacher, Jenks High School (1994-2000); Marketing Education Teacher, Broken Arrow High School (1988-1990; 1992-1994); Marketing Education Teacher, Great Plains Technology Center (1990-1992); Marketing Education Teacher, High Plains Technology Center (1987-1988)

Education: M.Ed. Secondary Education, University of Central Oklahoma; B.S. Business Administration-Marketing, Oklahoma State University 

ACTE Involvement:

Division: ACTE Marketing Education Division (18 yrs); ACTE Voting Delegate; ACTE National Policy Seminar participant; ACTE New Professional, Marketing Division; 2004 Marketing Education Kauffman Professional Development Scholarship Recipient State Activities: OkACTE Marketing Division Teacher of the Year; President, Oklahoma Marketing Education Teachers; OkACTE Political Action Committee; OkACTE Distinguished Service Award for Dillards; Vice President, Oklahoma Marketing Education Teachers; Committees: Activities and Awards Committee Chairperson

Platform Statement:

Oklahoman Will Rogers once said, "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." Marketing Education is on the right track, but we must be willing to adapt so that we can continue to thrive.

Our Marketing Education Division is made up of diverse, talented people that are united by a common purpose. In order to fulfill this purpose we must build a first class professional organization that not only meets the need of our members today, but also has the foresight to be visionaries for the needs of tomorrow.

As your Marketing Division Vice President my primary goal will be to serve as an advocate for our membership. To accomplish this goal I will:

* Represent our Division's interests during the proposed reorganization of ACTE

* Advocate for Marketing Education and ACTE in the legislative process

* Educate our colleagues about the merits of Marketing Education Programs

* Encourage the development of quality professional development and leadership opportunities

I believe that I possess the energy and experience to lead our Division through the challenges that lie ahead. I am very optimistic about the future for Marketing Education. Our profession is changing rapidly and we must be certain that Marketing Education is on the forefront.

Priscilla R. McCalla

Occupation: Professional and Program Development Director

Employment History: Professional and Program Development Director, DECA Inc., (1/89-present); Instructor--Marketing, Dakota County Tech College (6/75-6/78)

Education: BS, Business Administration--Marketing, University of Louisiana; pursuing graduate courses in Education, University of Minnesota 

ACTE Involvement:

Divisions: Workshop Presenter at Convention; Exhibitor, Present ACTE Update Workshop at DECA's International CDC; DECA Reception Host/Sponsor; Secure Speakers for Division Luncheons, Business meetings and Opening sessions

Committees: Public Information Committee (1999-present); Committee Chair (current)

Platform Statement:

As a candidate for Marketing Education Division vice president, I believe in and support the goals of the Association for Career and Technical Education. It is of the utmost importance that Marketing Educators understand and support these goals. Continuing the strong membership recruitment efforts of Dr. Norwood should be a high priority for the Division.

The efforts of ACTE at the legislative level are critical and contribute to the success of all divisions of the association and to our profession. Marketing educators must be made aware of those efforts, their successes, and their importance to themselves and the entire profession. With this perspective, I will provide the leadership in communicating these crucial pieces of information to the membership.

It is also important to retain a strong relationship between the components of Marketing Education such as DECA and Mark-ED. By doing so we will build a stronger division and provide a meaningful educational experience for our students. Since the students are the significant outcome of our profession, these relationships are vital to the success of the programs.

Having worked with both DECA's High School Division and Delta Epsilon Chi Division (DECA's college division), and having taught in the Community College setting has provided me with a broad educational perspective. I hear the voice of the classroom teacher and understand their concerns in our rapidly evolving educational environment. This experience demonstrates the relevance of ACTE and its activities to all educators within the Marketing Education field. Marketing Education should be an inclusive field, one that involves all possible components of the profession. This is important to our success.