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SETDA Honors Mary Reynolds with the 2024 State Policymaker of the Year Award

October 31, 2024 (Washington, DC)SETDA, the principal membership association of U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders, announced Mary Reynolds, Education Group Chief Information Officer at the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology as the 2024 recipient of the SETDA State Policymaker of the Year Award. Although she could not be there in person to physically accept the award, she sent a gracious acceptance video to virtually receive the award at the 2024 SETDA Leadership Summit this week in Arlington, VA.

The State Policymaker of the Year Award, rooted in SETDA’s long tradition of exemplary leadership, recognizes state and federal policymakers who champion access to and effective use of technology in education. It honors policymakers who actively support digital learning opportunities for all students and engage with the broader education and policymaking communities to advocate for the role of technology in advancing K-12 education.

This year’s award honors Mary Reynolds, Education Group Chief Information Officer for the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT), for her transformative role in advancing educational technology across Illinois. As a leader at DoIT, Reynolds oversees secure, statewide IT infrastructure, including the Illinois Century Network (ICN), which supports approximately 60% of Illinois schools in their digital learning efforts. Through her advocacy and facilitation of services with educational agencies, Reynolds has championed innovative STEAM initiatives that empower student outcomes and improve digital equity.

Reynolds’ career spans over 40 years in state government, where she has tirelessly advanced policies focused on youth, education, juvenile justice, and technology. Known for her forward-thinking approach, she has led Illinois through impactful programs, from her work as Executive Director of Innovation & Secondary Transformation for the Illinois State Board of Education to her pivotal role in founding Illinois’ first competency-based pilot program and re-establishing the Learning Technology Center of Illinois.

“I appreciate the thoughtfulness of being nominated and am sincerely honored by this recognition,” said Reynolds. “Policy work requires teamwork, so I want to thank all of those who have collaborated with me over the years to improve opportunities for students.”

“Advancing innovation and equitable access to technology in education is at the core of SETDA’s mission, and Mary’s leadership beautifully reflects this vision,” said Julia Fallon, Executive Director of SETDA. “Her transformative work within Illinois underscores her steadfast commitment to elevating education through technology. We are honored to recognize Mary Reynolds as the 2024 State Policymaker of the Year.”

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About SETDA

SETDA is the principal association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders. Through a broad array of programs and advocacy, SETDA builds member capacity and engages partners to empower the education community in leveraging technology for learning, teaching, and school operations.

For more information, please visit our website https://www.setda.org or follow us on Twitter @SETDA.

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