ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Nancy Coleman, Executive Director at Alignment Collaborative for Education in Elgin, IL as the 2027 ACTE Region III Carl Perkins Community Service Award. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) teachers 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.
Since 2017, Nancy Coleman has served as Executive Director of the Alignment Collaborative for Education, where she has led efforts to strengthen the workforce pipeline across Kane County through innovative partnerships connecting education, business, and community organizations. Drawing on nearly three decades of executive leadership in the private and nonprofit sectors, she works with a 30-member board of community leaders to advance future-ready skills and workforce development initiatives that support students in School Districts 300, 301, 303, and U-46. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its network to more than 200 business and community partners, collectively serving over 15,000 students during the 2025 school year.
Coleman’s leadership has produced measurable results for students and the community. In 2025, Alignment and its partners contributed more than 14,000 volunteer hours to regional middle and high schools—an investment valued at nearly $900,000. The organization’s impact has earned widespread recognition, including selection by the United Way Metro Chicago Network to facilitate the first Elgin-area collaborative focused on future workforce development and recognition as School District U-46’s 2025 Business Partner of the Year.
Before joining Alignment, Coleman built an extensive career in workforce and talent development through leadership roles in the South Carolina and Georgia technical college systems and the private sector. As the human resources leader for Pratt & Whitney’s first startup engine maintenance center in Columbus, Georgia, she partnered with industry and regional workforce organizations to transition military veterans and automotive professionals into technical careers. She directed the hiring and training of more than 350 maintenance technicians and developed an innovative skill-based compensation system that rewarded employees for expanding their technical expertise.
An active community leader, Coleman, serves on the Advocate Sherman Hospital Board of Directors and the Elgin Human Services Council. She was recognized as the 2025 YWCA Elgin Educator of the Year for her dedication to strengthening connections among schools, families, employers, and community organizations. Through her leadership, she continues to champion the belief that investing in young people today creates a stronger workforce, a more vibrant community, and lasting regional prosperity.
Coleman is one of five finalists for the 2027 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 2, at 6:00 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.
###
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.
