FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marlen Zarcone
mzarcone@acteonline.org
ACTE Announces Illinois Retired Teacher as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Cindy Stover, Past-Executive Director/Consultant for the Illinois Association for Career & Technical Education in Lincoln, IL as the 2025 ACTE Region III Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Cindy has been a dedicated advocate and leader in Career and Technical Education (CTE) for more than thirty-five years, consistently working to provide high-quality services to the CTE community. Throughout her career, Cindy has been an active and influential member of both the Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education (IACTE) and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Her leadership roles have been numerous and impactful, including serving as Executive Director/Consultant for IACTE, a member of the ACTE Board of Directors, ACTE Region III President, ACTE Fellowship Program Coordinator, and Past President of IACTE.
Cindy is widely recognized for her commitment to continuous improvement, innovative thinking, and her ability to drive meaningful change. She is not only a leader but also a mentor, known for her collaborative nature and her dedication to coaching others to success. Many colleagues, including those who have served in leadership roles within IACTE, have benefited from her guidance and mentorship, witnessing firsthand how she shares her wealth of knowledge and experience to encourage and advance their careers.
Cindy’s contributions to CTE in Illinois are outstanding. She has been a key advocate, frequently meeting with legislators to secure funding and emphasize the critical role that CTE plays in both education and economic development. As an active scholar, Cindy has presented numerous workshops, led conference sessions, and participated in panels, consistently demonstrating her ability to articulate complex ideas and inspire a shared vision for the future of CTE.
Her career in education, spanning over three decades, has had a lasting impact on the CTE community. Cindy’s willingness to embrace innovation and change has led to the development of extraordinary programs that serve as models for others. Her distinguished career is a testament to her unparalleled contributions and her legacy of lifetime achievement in CTE. Cindy’s leadership, risk-taking, and ability to inspire others have left an indelible mark on the field, and her influence will continue to shape the future of CTE for years to come.
Stover is one of five finalists for the 2025 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 4, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
Cynthia Greene has dedicated over four decades to education and curriculum development, specializing in business, entrepreneurship, and computer science. Her vast experience includes roles with the Jackson County and Fulton County School Systems, the Georgia Department of Education, and major educational publishers such as National Geographic, Cengage, Southwestern Publishing Company, and Thomson Learning.
Dr. Brian L. Pyles serves as the State Director for the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education (MDE-OCTE), where he provides visionary leadership for Michigan’s secondary and postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) programs. In this role, Dr. Pyles is dedicated to ensuring that all learners have access to equitable, high-quality, and rigorous academic instruction within the CTE system.
Greg Friedman works with the Merced County Office of Education as a Job Development and Training Technician. For the past three years, Greg’s commitment to providing comprehensive career guidance and preparation for adults enrolled in the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) throughout the county has been evident in his innovative approach to workforce development. Greg teaches essential skills and job-searching techniques through various workshops and webinars, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in their careers. He emphasizes the importance of incorporating artificial intelligence into career exploration and readiness, ensuring students have the right capabilities to succeed in future opportunities. 
Brandi Williams serves as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Counselor at Calhoun High School, where she plays an integral role in student development, from professional growth and student recruitment to facilitating future career opportunities for graduates. Over the past eight years, Brandi has focused on creating course sequences aligned with state-approved programs of study, ensuring that students receive a robust CTE education that maximizes their chances of completing their programs.
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Shelley Kaler discovered her passion for education over two decades ago while working as a student assistant at Jacksonville State University. During her time in the Office of the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, she developed a deep commitment to serving students. This passion grew as she transitioned to the Office of Admissions, where she spent over ten years recruiting students across Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi.
Vanita Wilson brings over 25 years of dedicated counseling experience to her role as a Guidance Counselor at Genesee Career Institute (GCI) in Flint, MI, where she supports the success of over 1,900 students. Renowned for her holistic approach, Vanita builds meaningful relationships with students, parents, and the broader community, creating a nurturing environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. Her commitment to the GCI community has made her an invaluable asset, known for implementing strategies that foster both educational achievement and personal growth. 
Troy Reichert has been teaching Industrial Technology for 27 years now and has also coached a variety of sports along with being the SkillsUSA advisor at Guernsey-Sunrise Public School. He believes in teaching outside the classroom, and that has led him to creating a summer skilled trades camp in Sunrise for boys and girls from across the nation to work on the oldest YMCA in the state. His students are also doing a full remodel of the VFW Post 4471 building in Guernsey to improve their skills and help the community. 
Patricia Downing has dedicated nearly 40 years to the restaurant industry, building a career rooted in both hands-on experience and academic achievement. She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Hospitality Administration with a concentration in Culinary Arts, along with certificates in Hospitality Management, Restaurant Management, Event Management, and Bar and Beverage Management from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis. Patricia furthered her education with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Urbana University in Ohio, an Executive master’s in hospitality administration (MHA) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University.
