Policy & Advocacy | News

ISTE CEO To Step Down

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 03/02/12

Don Knezek will retire from his position as chief executive officer of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) September 30, 2012.

"Don's extraordinary vision and leadership helped establish ISTE as the premier educational technology organization and his efforts have positively impacted students and teachers throughout the world," said Holly Jobe, president at ISTE. "The board appreciates his tireless effort and commitment to realizing ISTE's mission."

Changes to the organization during Knezek's 10-year tenure include:

• A merger between ISTE and the organization behind the National Educational Computing Conference to create ISTE's annual conference and exposition, the "most comprehensive education technology event in the world," according to information released by the organization;
• The creation of offices in Washington, D.C.; and
• An expansion of the National Education Technology Standards (NETS), a set of standards for teaching and learning with technology.

Knezek also worked to increase ISTE's partnerships with various individuals and organizations and is currently a governing board member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's Institute for Information Technologies in Education.

"I'm so proud of what we've accomplished with a dedicated staff and outstanding volunteer leadership on behalf of better opportunities and access for all the world's learners," Knezek said as he announced his decision.

"A search committee will be formed with the anticipated appointment of a new CEO no later than September 2012," according to a prepared statement for ISTE.

Founded in 1979, ISTE represents more than 20,000 individual members, 80 affiliate organizations, 65 corporations, and 89 member countries. More information is available at iste.org.