Brian Friese is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University with a degree in Elementary Education. After teaching for nine years, his passion for technology and innovation continued to grow and he transitioned out of the classroom into technology. He spent two years as a technology integration specialist for Perry Township Schools where he planned 1:1 roll-outs, managed Google and provided technology training. Brian is now the e-learning director for MSD of Martinsville where he is responsible for all things technology related, within the district of 10 schools, including professional development for staff.

Dan Layton graduated from Ball State University in 2005 and started teaching biology, advanced biology and advanced genetics and biotechnology at Zionsville High School. During his time in the classroom, he won the Indiana Golden Apple Award for Innovation in the classroom for the development of the first hybrid genetics/online course. He then served as the assistant principal for Zionsville Community Schools for three years before becoming the CTO. He also teaches a graduate level Statistics course for the University of Indianapolis. He and his wife, Jenna, live in Zionsville with their three kids.

CIO Jeff McMahon has been in education for 31 years. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education with a focus on Curriculum Instruction and Technology, as well as a Cisco Certified Network Associate Certificate. He initiated the first 1:1 laptop program in the state of Indiana, where he worked at the state’s largest school district for 28 years. He has been with the MSD of Decatur Township for three and a half years. Jeff received the National School Board Association’s “20 to Watch Leadership Award” in 2011 which recognized 20 national educators who are bound to change technology in the next 20 years. Jeff is passionate about the area of technology in education and making sure all students – no matter their socioeconomic status – has access to proper technology to allow them to compete in this global society.

Cassandra Shipp is a graduate student in the Urban Education Doctoral program on the IUPUI campus in Indianapolis. She has earned a degree in Sociology from Indiana University, Special Education Learning Disabled/Mildly Disabled certification from IUPUI and a masters in K-12 Education and Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. As she earned her education degree and certifications, she worked as a middle school special education teacher, district special education coach and a building level administrator. Currently, she is the curriculum director for Muncie Community Schools in Muncie, IN.

Andrew Swickheimer is director of technology for Noblesville Schools, a school district of 10 schools, grades PK to 12, located in Noblesville, IN. He is responsible for all aspects of technology in the schools – administrative and instructional, planning, budgeting and professional development. Andrew has over 20 years of experience in K-12 educational technology, with a BS in Secondary Education from Butler University and a Master’s degree in Instructional Systems Technology and Administrative Licensure from Indiana University. Andrew serves as a member of the Indiana eLearning Leadership Cadre.