Keynote Speakers - Best Practices

Ryan Lavarnway

Boston Red Sox World Series Champion
Friday Closing General Session

Why Not You? Leading the Next Century of CTE

How everyday decisions, habits and ownership drive student success and workforce impact

Ryan Lavarnway is proof that resilience, adaptability and determination can lead to incredible success—no matter the odds.

As someone who’s been added to and removed from Major League Baseball rosters more than anyone else in history, Ryan’s story isn’t just about success—it highlights the power of perseverance. Overcoming every obstacle, he built an impressive 10-year MLB career as a catcher, became a World Series Champion and competed as an Olympian.

Ryan’s journey started at Yale University, where he was an NCAA Batting Champion and All-American. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2008, he went on to play for some of baseball’s most iconic teams, setting records and leaving his mark on the sport.

On the international stage, Ryan proudly represented Israel in the World Baseball Classic and the 2021 Olympics. As the first captain of Team Israel’s National Team, he earned MVP honors and led with passion and purpose, cementing his place in baseball history.

Now, Ryan is taking his winning mindset beyond the diamond. As a sought-after speaker and mentor, he helps corporate teams, sales professionals and aspiring athletes unlock their own potential. Drawing from his personal journey, Ryan shows how embracing challenges, staying adaptable and fostering an unshakable belief in yourself can create success.

With humor, humility and real-world experience, Ryan doesn’t just inspire—he empowers audiences to take bold steps toward big goals, no matter where they’re starting from.

Opening Session Speakers

Dr. Sandra Adams; Administration Division Vice President
Riley Johnson; Founder and Principal; Amp Lab at Electric Works
Dr. Alisha Hyslop; Chief Policy, Research and Content Officer; Association for Career and Technical Education
Dr. Donna Prudhomme, Director of CTE, Beaumont ISD; 2026 ACTE National Administrator of the Year

The Next 100 Starts Now

Kick off this year’s conference with a unique opening session that celebrates ACTE’s 100th anniversary while looking ahead to what’s next. For a century, ACTE has brought together CTE leaders committed to advancing opportunities for learners, strengthening communities and preparing the workforce of tomorrow. As we celebrate that legacy, you’ll hear from leaders in the field doing the work you’re doing every day. Through their experiences, we’ll reflect on how innovation, partnership and leadership have shaped CTE’s past—and explore how adaptability and bold thinking will define its future.

This inspiring opening session features three dynamic segments designed to spark ideas, broaden perspectives and prepare you for the opportunities ahead:

Hear the founder of a groundbreaking entrepreneurial school share how human-centered design and innovation are transforming teaching and learning in CTE, with practical ideas you can bring back to your own programs.
Get a timely update from a leading voice in federal CTE policy, with a clear, accessible overview of what’s happening in Washington and what it means for administrators today and in the year ahead.
Join us for a fireside chat with ACTE’s Administrator of the Year as she discusses her programs, lessons learned, leadership experiences and strategies for strengthening the perception and impact of CTE for students, educators and communities.

For 100 years, CTE has adapted to meet the changing needs of students, employers and communities. The next chapter will depend on leaders who continue that tradition—not by preserving the status quo, but by shaping what’s next. We hope you’ll leave energized, inspired and ready to make the most of the conference experience.