ACTE Announces Michigan Assistant Superintendent of CTE as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Patrick Lamb, Assistant Superintendent of CTE at Northwest Education Services Career Tech in Traverse City, MI as the 2026 ACTE Region I Administrator of the Year. This award recognizes administrative career and technical education (CTE) professionals at the school, district, county, state or federal level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and effective career and technical education programs.
Patrick Lamb serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Career and Technical Education at Northwest Education Services in Traverse City, Michigan. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University, a teaching certificate from Olivet College, and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration. His career in education began in the classroom, with teaching roles at Lake Leelanau St. Mary and Northport Public School, where he also served as Principal from 2001 to 2004.
Since joining Northwest Education Services in 2004 as Assistant Principal at the Career Tech Center, Mr. Lamb has steadily advanced in leadership, becoming Principal in 2010 and assuming his current role as Assistant Superintendent in 2019. Throughout his tenure, he has led major efforts to enhance CTE programming and expand access for students across the region.
Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Lamb played a key role in launching the North Ed Foundation in 2023. This nonprofit organization provides critical financial assistance and scholarships to more than 20,000 students in the district. He currently serves as Board President of the foundation.
As a CTE leader, Mr. Lamb has championed the integration of academic instruction into CTE coursework, supported the expansion of competency-based instruction and evaluation statewide, and developed innovative postsecondary pathways for students throughout Northern Michigan. He also actively contributes to his community through service on the boards of the Northwest Michigan Skilled Trades Foundation and the Networks Northwest Executive Committee.
Lamb is one of five finalists for the 2026 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 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by 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.
