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SETDA Announces 2026 Board Members and Officers

January 13, 2026 (Washington, DC) – SETDA, the principal non-profit association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders, is pleased to announce its 2026 Board of Directors and Officers. Board officers assumed their one-year terms on January 1, 2026.

SETDA 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers

• Chair: Dorann Avey, Nebraska Department of Education
• Chair-Elect: Carla Wade, CoSN (Emeritus Position) 
• Past Chair: Brad Hagg, Indiana Department of Education
• Secretary: Bre Urness-Straight, Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
• Treasurer: DeLilah Collins, Colorado Department of Education

Directors-at-Large

• Doug Casey, Connecticut State Commission for Educational Technology
• John Chadwick, New Mexico Public Education Department
• Patrick Devanney, ClassLink (Corporate Position)
• Christine Feenstra, CALIE (Affiliate Position)
• Steven Priest, Wyoming Department of Education
• Melanie Valentine, Utah State Board of Education
  

SETDA’s elected officers will guide the organization through 2026. Dorann Avey assumes the role of Chair, with Carla Wade serving as Chair-Elect. Brad Hagg transitions to Past Chair, Bre Urness-Straight continues in the role of Secretary, and DeLilah Collins joins the officer slate as Treasurer. 

The Directors-at-Large include Doug Casey, John Chadwick, Patrick Devanney, Christine Feenstra, Steven Priest, and Melanie Valentine, with Valentine joining the Board this year.

“It’s an honor to serve as Chair of SETDA at a time when state leaders are navigating both complexity and opportunity,” said Dorann Avey. “I look forward to working with the Board, our members, and partners to ensure technology continues to support equitable, secure, and meaningful learning for every student.”

“SETDA exists to help states lead with clarity in moments of complexity,” said Julia Fallon, Executive Director of SETDA. “State leaders are being asked to make high-stakes decisions in an environment defined by uncertainty, and this Board brings the practical experience and judgment needed to steward policy, infrastructure, and relationships so that technology investments strengthen systems, protect students, and support educators over the long term.”

SETDA’s Board of Directors election, held for three open positions, concluded in November at the 2025 Leadership Summit & Ed Forum. 

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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, visit setda.org or follow SETDA on LinkedIn.