Argosy U Prof Takes Helm at ASCD

• By Tim Sohn
• 04/09/12

ASCD, a membership organization that provides professional development resources for educators, elected a new president and board members at its annual conference in March. It also presented awards to affiliate organizations.

Debra Hill was selected president. Hill is associate professor at Argosy University in Chicago and an education consultant. Paul Healey, of Penn State Harrisburg, previously held this post.

Hill previously served as superintendent of West Northfield School District 31 in Northbrook/Glenview, IL, until she retired in 2007. She has been a member of ASCD for 29 years and is member of its Illinois affiliate. Her involvement at previous conferences has included member, chairman, and vice chairman of the nominations committee; member of the legislative committee for six years; member of the board of directors, from 2005 to 2008; and chairman.

"Around the world, education is in transition mode; we face complex, troublesome issues sometimes filled with ambiguity. Our profession is expected to do more, for so many more, in a world experiencing growth and changes that are occurring at an exponential rate," said Hill March 26 at the conference. "My vision for ASCD and our members is that we individually, collectively, and as an organization continue leading the charge by increasing our influence both in the United States and internationally. We must galvanize our members by initiating new conversations and partnerships and be action-oriented."

ASCD has also announced four new members, who will each serve three-year terms. They are:

• Marie Adair, executive director of New Jersey ASCD, Jamesburg, NJ;
• Susie Carr, assistant superintendent, Whitehall City Schools, Galloway, OH;
• Becky Berg, superintendent, Deer Park School District, Deer Park, WA; and
• David Mathis, superintendent, Saluda County Schools, Saluda, SC.

The North Carolina affiliate received the Overall Excellence Award. This award "recognizes excellence or exceptional progress" in all of the following areas: membership; communication and publications; programs, products, and services; influence and advocacy; and leadership and governance. It will receive a monetary award, personalized banner, and award statuette.

"North Carolina ASCD influences the quality of public education and school district leadership within the state through its highly interactive, professional development programs," said ASCD Chief Constituent Services Officer and Deputy Executive Director Judy Seltz. "We recognize North Carolina ASCD for its leadership role in the state, and we congratulate them for this well deserved award. Their work each day, like the work of ASCD's 58 affiliate organizations worldwide, improves the quality of education for children everywhere."

The nonprofit organization also handed out Area of Excellence Awards to two "outstanding" affiliate organizations, Rhode Island and Virginia for advocacy projects. These awards are given to affiliates that that achieved excellence in one or more of the categories. These affiliates can choose from a variety of resources.

ASCD has 150,000 members in more than 145 countries, including school board members, professors, teachers, principals, supervisors, and superintendents.

For more information, visit ascd.org.