Washington, D.C. (April 11, 2025) – CoSN announced the 2025 education technology (EdTech) award winners during its Annual Conference, CoSN2025: “Human Leadership in a World of AI,” held in Seattle, Washington. This year’s honorees include individuals and groups that are advancing innovative uses of technology to support teaching and learning in school districts nationwide.

CoSN2025 Award Winners:

  • Withrow CTO Award: Alana Winnick, Educational Technology Director, Data Protection Officer, Pocantico Hills Central School District (NY)
  • CoSN and AASA EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year Award: Karen Cheser, Superintendent, Durango School District (CO)
  • Community Leadership Award for Digital Access: Murray City School District (UT)
  • District Team Leadership Award: Agua Fria Union High School District (AZ)
  • Hurley Private Sector Champion Award: Christine Weiser, Content and Brand Director, Tech & Learning
  • Volunteer of the Year Award: Mike Daugherty, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Technology and Communications, Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District (OH)
  • Excellence in Public Service Award: Nathan Miller, Chief Technology and Information Security Officer, Georgia Department of Education (GA); and Vanessa Wrenn, CETL®, Chief Information Officer, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC)
  • Partnerships That Matter Award: State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA)

“This year’s award winners represent the very best of what’s possible when leadership and innovation converge in education technology,” said Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN. “These honorees are driving real change in how technology supports learning, and we are proud to recognize their impact and celebrate their commitment to student success.”

More information on each winner is below, including links to individual press releases showcasing their accomplishments and/or remarks.

Withrow CTO Award: Alana Winnick, Educational Technology Director, Data Protection Officer, Pocantico Hills Central School District (NY)
The Withrow CTO Award recognizes an exceptional district CTO who serves as a true technology champion and whose leadership has been transformative for their school system. The award honors Frank Withrow, a pioneer and champion of K-12 education technology. Learn More.

CoSN and AASA EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year Award: Dr. Karen Cheser, Superintendent, Durango School District (CO)
The CoSN and AASA EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year Award, sponsored by ClassLink, recognizes an exceptional district superintendent who serves as a true empowered leader, leveraging and championing technologies in the classroom and throughout the district to transform their school district. Learn More.

Community Leadership Award for Digital Access: Murray City School District (UT)
Student access to robust digital tools is key to their success as 21st-century citizens. Yet many students from economically disadvantaged families have limited access to these tools both at school and at home. Clearly, there is a great deal of work that needs to be done. Closing the gap will require a broad approach involving schools and communities working together. The CoSN Community Leadership Award for Digital Access recognizes those districts that are working to eliminate inequities and narrow the access gap. Learn More.

District Team Leadership Award: Agua Fria Union High School District (AZ)
The CoSN District Team Leadership Award honors a district leadership team for its transformative impact on student learning with technology. Learn More.

Hurley Private Sector Champion Award: Christine Weiser, Content and Brand Director, Tech & Learning
CoSN works with many companies and individuals in the private sector who are making important contributions to education technology. Each year, the CoSN Hurley Private Sector Champion Award recognizes one person who has had an outstanding impact on the EdTech community outside of the confines of his or her job. Learn More.

Volunteer of the Year Award: Mike Daugherty, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Technology and Communications, Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District (OH)
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes the achievements of one CoSN member who has provided exemplary support to the organization over the past year. Learn More.

Excellence in Public Service Award: Nathan Miller, Chief Technology and Information Security Officer, Georgia Department of Education (GA); and Vanessa Wrenn, CETL®, Chief Information Officer, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC)
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. Learn More.

Partnerships That Matter Award: State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA)
The Partnerships That Matter Award honors partner organizations who work with CoSN in making a difference in transforming learning with technology. Learn More.

Additional information about CoSN’s annual awards program is available at: cosn.org/about/awards/.

Learn more about CoSN2025 at: https://cosn2025.eventscribe.net/.

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. cosn.org