Al Kingsley is a technology and education leader with over 30 years of experience specializing in educational software, IT asset management, and digital safeguarding. As Group CEO of NetSupport for over 25 years, he oversees solutions supporting 22 million users globally. Al serves as Chair of Hampton Academies Trust and Richard Barnes Academy, sits on the East of England Regional Schools Director’s Advisory Board, and chairs the BESA EdTech group. An author and speaker on digital strategy, he was awarded an MBE in 2025 for services to education and is a Forbes Technology Council member.

Craig Aarons-Martin is an award-winning educator, former teacher, principal, executive director and superintendent, consultant, leadership coach, author, facilitator, speaker, and civic leader. He has spent his career working at the intersection of leadership, culture, belonging, and equity in education.

Craig founded CCM Education Group to help leaders build the culture their mission keeps promising — through practical, equity-centered coaching, consulting, professional learning, and facilitation that produces meaningful and sustainable change.

Dr. Matthew Mingle currently serves as the Superintendent of Warren Township Schools in New Jersey.

Recognized regionally as a county Superintendent of the Year for his innovative problem-solving and commitment to community connection, Dr. Mingle has dedicated his career to student-centered innovation and empowering educators. A steadfast advocate for lifelong learning, he has also served on the ISTE+ASCD Board of Directors, driving impactful leadership across local, state, and national stages.

Nikole Blanchard, an accomplished educator, began her journey into educational technology in 2003 at Louisiana State University. A proud LSU alumna with degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Technology, she holds numerous certifications, including National Board Certified Teacher, Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Innovator, and is ISTE Certified.

Nikole served as co-president of the ISTE+ASCD board and was the Director of Innovation and Technology at The Dunham School, playing a key role in establishing the school as the state's only PK-12 Apple Distinguished School. Nikole is currently the Head of Educational Technology and Innovation at LSU.

A career educator, Tara currently serves as Chief Innovation Strategist, Education at Lenovo, focusing on reinventing education through innovative programs, professional learning, redefining teacher roles and responsibilities, emerging technologies and cybersecurity. Tara has collaborated with educators to create transformational learning experiences spending over 20 years teaching and leading in school districts, most recently as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning for Arlington Public Schools (VA) and then in consultative roles as a Chief Innovation Strategist at Dell Technologies and Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at ISTE+ASCD. At ISTE+ASCD, Tara led teams focused on AI strategy, higher education, and professional learning. Tara has actively supported educators in realizing safe and responsible use of AI including leading AI Task Forces for state departments of education and districts while also serving on the steering and advisory committees for Teach AI and the EdSafeAI Alliance. She was recognized as one of the leading Women in AI in EDU by ASU+GSV. Tara earned a doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University.

Opal Davis Dawson is an author, educational consultant, leadership coach, and award-winning retired PreK–5 public Montessori school principal with nearly 30 years of experience. She is currently Chief Education Officer of Best College Match, offering college coaching services.

Dawson has taught, led, and consulted in Title I and non-Title I schools. She supports school leaders, district leaders, and teachers in planning and implementing improvement initiatives, capacity building, and supporting high academic achievement for diverse student populations and instructional best practices.

Dr. Ashley McBride is a digital learning leader for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.She has experience as a secondary English teacher, instructional technology facilitator and director of technology. In addition to her work with the state of North Carolina, McBride serves on the board of the North Carolina Technology in Education Society (NCTIES). Her experiences in K-12 education and her research in the field informed her 2021 ISTE-published book, The Edtech Coaching Primer: Supporting Teachers in the Digital Age Classroom.