Seattle, WA (April 3, 2025) – CoSN, a premier association of K-12 education technology leaders, honored Nathan Miller of the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and Vanessa Wrenn of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) with its 2025 Excellence in Public Service Award.

The Excellence in Public Service Award recognizes national, state or local officials who have promoted the use of safe and secure technology as a tool to improve teaching and learning, strengthening CoSN’s nationwide advocacy efforts. Past winners have included congressmen and senators, officials of the U.S. Department of Education and leaders from the Federal Communications Commission.

“I am honored to receive the CoSN Excellence in Public Service Award and grateful for the opportunity to support technology initiatives that enhance learning for students across Georgia. Georgia’s strategic investment in the next generation of educational technology leaders reflects our commitment to innovation and growth. Through our partnership with CoSN, we are fostering an environment where both veteran and newly positioned technology leaders can thrive, ensuring the future of education is guided by expertise and vision,” said Nathan Miller, Chief Technology and Information Security Officer, GaDOE.

“Nathan Miller’s dedication to advancing educational technology has made a lasting impact on Georgia’s schools and students. His leadership, vision and commitment to innovation have helped ensure that technology is a powerful tool for learning and success. We are proud to see his contributions recognized with the CoSN Excellence in Public Service Award and grateful for his ongoing efforts to support education in our state and beyond,” said Keith Osburn, Chief Information Officer and Deputy Superintendent for Technology Services, GaDOE.

“It is a great honor to receive the CoSN Excellence in Public Service Award. The partnership between CoSN and the great state of North Carolina has been instrumental in growing and empowering our technology leaders across all schools. Through collaboration, advocacy, and a shared commitment to education technology, cybersecurity and closing the connectivity divide for K-12 students, we have strengthened our ability to support students, educators and Public Schools Units across the state. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our incredible team and the transformative impact of strong leadership in educational technology,” said Vanessa Wrenn, CETL®, Chief Information Officer, NCDPI.

This award celebrates Nathan’s exceptional dedication to advancing CoSN’s mission and his impactful advocacy within the state of Georgia. His visionary leadership has significantly influenced educational technology and district-level initiatives across the state. Over the past two years, Nathan has spearheaded the creation and execution of a transformative statewide training program, equipping districts with critical knowledge and tools to address cybersecurity and data privacy challenges. Thanks to his collaboration and commitment, districts throughout Georgia are now better prepared to safeguard sensitive information and strengthen their digital security frameworks.

This award honors Vanessa’s unwavering support for education technology leaders within the state of North Carolina. Under her visionary leadership, she has spearheaded the statewide initiative to provide CoSN membership to all K-12 institutions across North Carolina, which is now successfully in its third year. Regardless of the size or affluence of the district, every North Carolina leader is supported. Furthermore, her commitment to professional development has been instrumental in ensuring that the NCDPI supports a full cohort of CETL® training annually. This initiative has positioned North Carolina as a national leader in the number of CETL®-certified professionals for several years.

Learn more about the CoSN2025 awards at: cosn.org/about/awards/.

CoSN kicked off its Annual Conference, CoSN2025: “Human Leadership in a World of AI,” on Monday, March 31. The conference addresses the multifaceted roles and responsibilities of IT leaders, aiming to foster a community of empowered and capable professionals ready to navigate the complex landscape of educational technology. Opportunities for learning are carefully curated to provide practical strategies, insights and best practices that leaders can implement in their school systems.

About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. www.cosn.org/

About the Georgia Department of Education
The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) is committed to ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career, and life. Led by State School Superintendent Richard Woods, GaDOE works to support local school districts, improve student achievement, and expand opportunities for Georgia’s 1.7 million public school students. Through initiatives focused on literacy, student well-being, and workforce readiness, GaDOE partners with educators, families, and communities to build a brighter future for Georgia. www.gadoe.org/

About the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is charged with implementing the state’s public school laws for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public schools at the direction of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The agency provides leadership and service to the 115 local public school districts and 2,500+ district public schools, 200+ charter schools, lab schools and a regional school. The areas of support include student standards, accountability, finance, teacher and administrator preparation and licensing, professional development and school business support and operations. www.dpi.nc.gov/

MEDIA CONTACTS:
CoSN: Grace Helsing, ghelsing@fratelli.com
Georgia Department of Education: media@doe.k12.ga.us
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: Jeanie McDowell, Jeanie.mcdowell@dpi.nc.gov