News
Federal and State Policymaker Awards
The Federal and State Policymaker Awards honor elected and appointed policymakers at both the state and federal levels who have championed equitable access to technology and the effective use of technology in K-12 education.
Federal Policymaker
2024
NTIA Director of Digital Equity Angela Thi Bennett
Washington
SETDA honors Director Angela Thi Bennett for her pivotal role in driving digital equity initiatives, particularly through her leadership in launching the Digital Equity Act programs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As a tireless advocate for digital inclusion, Director Bennett ensures that states and grantees prioritize the needs of students and families in their funding efforts. By fostering stronger ties between the NTIA and the education sector, she has championed the critical role of technology in expanding access to educational resources and opportunities for all, especially underserved communities.
Read the full press release here.
Federal Policymaker Honorees
2023 | FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks | Washington |
2022 | Senator Patty Murray Congressman Jerry McNerney |
Washington California (9th District) |
2021 | Senator Gary Peters | Michigan |
2020 | Congresswoman Grace Meng | New York |
2019 | Senator Jacky Rosen | Nevada |
2018 | Senator Ed Markey | Massachusetts |
2016 | Congressman Dave Loebsack | Iowa |
2015 | Senator Tammy Baldwin | Wisconsin |
2014 | Congressman Jared Polis | Colorado |
2013 | Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel | Federal Communications Commmission |
2012 | Senator Olympia Snowe | Maine |
2011 | Senator Patty Murray | Washington |
2010 | Senator Jeff Bingaman | New Mexico |
2009 | Congressman George Miller | California |
2008 | Senator John D. Rockefeller IV | West Virgina |
2007 | Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard Senator Richard Burr |
California North Carolina |
2006 | Senator Tom Harkin | Iowa |
2005 | Senator Orrin Hatch | Utah |
2004 | Senator Arlen Spector | Pennsylvania |
State Policymakers
2024
Education Group Chief Information Officer Mary Reynolds
This year’s award honors Mary Reynolds for her visionary leadership in making technology a cornerstone of Illinois’ public education system. Under her guidance, the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) has overseen significant advancements, such as securing the Illinois Century Network (ICN) to support digital learning for nearly 60% of the state’s schools. Over her 40-year career in state government, Reynolds has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including founding Illinois’ first competency-based pilot program and re-establishing the Learning Technology Center of Illinois. Her efforts have empowered equitable access to digital resources, ensuring that technology remains a powerful tool for advancing student outcomes across the state.
Read the full press release here.
State Policymaker Honorees
2023 | New Mexico Public Education Secretary Dr. Arsenio Romero Former New Mexico Public Education Secretary Dr. Kurt Steinhaus |
New Mexico |
2021 | State Superintendent Dr. Sydnee Dickson | Utah |
2018 | Governor Rick Synder State Superintendent Brian Whiston (posthumous award) |
Michigan |
2017 | State Superintendent Jillian Balow | Wyoming |
2016 | Dale Erquiaga, Office of Governor | Nevada |
2015 | Education Commissioner David C. Hespe Chief Innovation Officer, Assistant Commissioner Evo Popoff |
New Jersey |
2012 | State Superintendent Tom Torlakson | California |
2011 | State Superintendent Dr. Patricia Wright | Virginia |
2010 | State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson | North Carolina |
2009 | Director Judy Jeffrey | Iowa |
2008 | State Superintendent Dr. Joseph Morton | Alabama |
2007 | State Superintendent Michael Flanagan | Michigan |
2006 | Assistant State Superintendent Dr. Jorea Marple | West Virginia |