Illinois Educational Technology Leaders

Tony Schlorff, CETL, is an accomplished education and technology leader with experience in instructional leadership, operations, and innovation. He serves as Chief Financial and Integrated Services Officer at AASA, The School Superintendents Association, leading national initiatives supporting school system leaders. Previously, he was Chief Technology Officer for Township High School District 214.

Michael Arensdorff, CETL, serves as the Chief Operations and Technology Officer for Oak Park Elementary School District 97, providing strategic leadership and oversight for district operations and technology. He drives innovation in infrastructure, systems, and services while prioritizing equity, sustainability, and environmental justice, ensuring all operational initiatives align with and advance the district’s educational mission.

Michael Marassa, Ed.D., CETL, serves as the Chief Technology Officer for New Trier High School District 203, a leading district on Chicago’s North Shore. With nearly 16 years of CTO experience, including leadership in Grayslake District 127, he brings deep expertise in educational leadership and school finance. Dr. Marassa also serves on the IETL Board, advancing innovation and excellence in educational technology statewide.

Ben Bayle, CETL, is Chief Technology Officer for DeKalb District 428 and a seasoned educational technology leader with decades of experience advancing secure, reliable, and innovative systems. Since 1999, he has led technology for CUSD 428, specializing in networks, virtualization, cybersecurity, and infrastructure. An active member of CoSN, IETL, and MS-ISAC, he champions excellence and continuous improvement in educational technology.

CCSD 46 Amanda has been in education for 20 years serving as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and district-level administrator. She currently serves as the Director of Innovation in a school district that serves 3,600 PK-8 grade students in a diverse suburb of Chicago. In this role she works to ensure that both the infrastructure and instructional practices are in place to ensure the best outcomes for students. Amanda believes that connecting with others makes her a better educator and

Mary Jane Warden, CETL, serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Palatine Community Consolidated School District 15. A visionary educational technology leader, she brings extensive experience in instructional innovation, project management, and IT strategy. Dedicated to advancing digital learning, professional growth, and operational excellence, she fosters collaborative, future-ready environments that empower educators and students alike.

Maria Stavropoulos, CETL, serves as the Director of Technology at Northbrook School District 28. An educational technology leader, she is dedicated to building efficient, secure, and student-centered systems. With expertise in strategic planning, cybersecurity, and implementation, Maria ensures technology supports long-term growth. A mentor and advocate for innovation, she fosters collaboration and continuous learning across teams.

Phil Hintz, Ed.S., CETL, is the Chief Technology Officer for Niles Township District 219 and a nationally recognized, award-winning technology leader with 20+ years in educational technology and leadership. A 2019 CoSN Withrow CTO of the Year and 2025 District Administration Top 100 Influencer in Education, Phil is completing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership, researching AR/VR’s impact on students with intellectual disabilities. He is passionate about faith, family, music, and EdTech.

John Armstrong, Ph.D., CETL, serves as the Chief Officer for Technology & Innovation at Joliet Public Schools District 86. An innovative and forward-thinking educational leader, he has extensive experience driving systemic change and fostering growth across technology and fine arts teams. Dr. Armstrong is dedicated to inspiring excellence, creativity, and collaboration through strategic leadership and innovation in education.

Matt Smith, CETL, serves as the Executive Director of Technology Services for St. Charles CUSD 303. He leads district efforts in infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data systems, focusing on secure, reliable, and scalable solutions that support teaching, learning, and operations. With experience spanning network engineering, enterprise systems, and strategic planning, Matt works to strengthen connections between technology, instruction, and organizational effectiveness. He is particularly intere

Eric Hansen, CETL, serves as the Director of Technology and Communications for Diamond Lake School District 76. An award-winning leader and professional speaker, he is recognized for advancing innovation in instructional technology, technology leadership, and communications. Guided by “Next-Gen Thinking, Unyielding Perseverance,” he is dedicated to strategic planning, collaboration, and empowering meaningful learning for all stakeholders.

Dr. Jim Boswell, Ed.D., CETL, serves as the Director of Operations and Technology for Bremen High School District 228. A dedicated educational technology leader, he combines expertise in IT infrastructure, instructional technology, and district leadership. Earning the Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) designation from CoSN, Dr. Boswell demonstrates a strong commitment to innovation, lifelong learning, and advancing 21st-century education.

Andrew White, CISSP, CETL, is Director of Technology for New Lenox School District 122 and an accomplished technology and cybersecurity leader with expertise in managing large-scale infrastructures. Skilled in project management and systems operations, he builds secure, efficient, and innovative environments that enhance learning and organizational effectiveness. Andy is committed to strategic planning, collaboration, and mentorship to empower others to excel in an evolving digital world.