{"id":2963,"date":"2026-09-03T21:05:39","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T21:05:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/next-level\/?page_id=2963"},"modified":"2026-09-11T13:41:57","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T13:41:57","slug":"current-fellows","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/current-fellows\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Fellows"},"content":{"rendered":"<section id=\"row-block_47ceb6934df2fbb5dfb8ba04bba3f639\" class=\"blog-banner v2 blue-bg \">\r\n      <div class=\"background-img\">\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/inside-pages-banner.jpg\" alt=\"\">\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"content-area \">\r\n    <h1 class=\"width800\">Current Fellows<\/h1>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n  \n\n  <style>\r\n    body blockquote::before {\r\n        background: #11ada2;\r\n    }\r\n  <\/style>\r\n  \t\t\t<style>\n\t\t\t\t#row-block_70a5443cf32190632e62dbff0b217989.wysiwyg-1col {\n\t\t\t\t\tmargin-top:-10px;\t\t\t\t}\n\n\t\t\t\t@media (max-width: 991.98px) {\n\t\t\t\t\t#row-block_70a5443cf32190632e62dbff0b217989.wysiwyg-1col {\n\t\t\t\t\tmargin-top:-5px;\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t\t  <section id=\"row-block_70a5443cf32190632e62dbff0b217989\" class=\"wysiwyg-1col\">\r\n    <div class=\"content-area\">\r\n      <h3>COHORT #8 \u2013 2026 FELLOWS<\/h3>\n<p>ACTE is proud to introduce the eighth cohort of NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellows. Sixteen postsecondary CTE leaders were selected for the 2026 cohort. Together, they represent institutions and organizations across the country and bring a range of expertise and perspectives to the NextLevel community.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/section>\r\n  \n\n<section id=\"row-block_ec12080f96c88b3767c3b3fa5ac6bf5c\" class=\"sm-img-list\">\r\n  <div class=\"content-area\">\r\n    <div class=\"container-box\">\r\n        \r\n                    <div class=\"list-boxes\">\r\n                                            <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Rudolph-Chavez-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Rudolph Chavez <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Perkins CTE Coordinator | College of Southern Nevada<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Rudolph Chavez serves as Perkins CTE Coordinator at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. He brings broad experience in student success and support services, including academic advising, TRIO Student Support Services, first-year experience instruction, student activities, and multicultural affairs. Across these roles, he has focused on helping students navigate college, connect with resources, and build a strong foundation for academic and career success.<\/p>\n<p>Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, Chavez looks forward to deepening his knowledge of career and technical education, strengthening his leadership skills, and learning alongside postsecondary CTE professionals from across the country. Outside of work, he has volunteered at the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and enjoys performing stand-up comedy at venues throughout Las Vegas.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Jennifer-Curtis-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Jennifer Curtis <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Project Manager, Academic Affairs | Chandler-Gilbert Community College<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Jennifer Curtis is Project Manager in Academic Affairs at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Arizona. With more than 20 years of experience across student affairs, academic affairs, workforce development, and CTE, she manages complex grant-funded initiatives, budgets, compliance, equipment procurement, and facility improvements that support instructional quality and workforce readiness. She also works with faculty, administrators, advisory councils, and industry partners to develop workforce-responsive programs aligned with labor market needs and emerging technologies.<\/p>\n<p>Curtis holds a master&#8217;s degree in education with a focus on higher education. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, she seeks to strengthen her leadership capacity, broaden her professional network, and prepare for senior leadership roles focused on equitable, future-ready career pathways. Outside of work, she enjoys golfing, wake surfing, weightlifting, walking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their two huskies.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Danny-Fisher.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Danny Fisher <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Dean of Manufacturing, Industrial Technology and Trades | GateWay Community College<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Danny Fisher serves as Dean of Manufacturing, Industrial Technology and Trades at GateWay Community College in Phoenix, where he leads programs in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor technology, and the skilled trades. His career spans education, construction, pharmaceuticals, nonprofits, and businesses of varying sizes, giving him a practical, workforce-centered approach to leadership. He previously held CTE leadership roles in Utah and Arizona, including serving as principal and chief operations officer at the East Valley Institute for Technology.<\/p>\n<p>Fisher currently leads the Future48 Semiconductor Workforce Accelerator, a project of more than $20 million developed with the Arizona Commerce Authority and collaborates on statewide semiconductor curricula and industry-recognized credentials. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, he aims to strengthen his leadership and expand pathways that create lasting opportunities for students and communities. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, mountain climbing, and spending time outdoors with his family.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Renato-Freitas-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Renato Freitas <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Program Coordinator, HIRE Program | Fort Myers Technical College<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Renato Freitas coordinates the How I Reach Employment (HIRE) Program at Fort Myers Technical College in Florida. The postsecondary transition program helps students with intellectual disabilities develop workforce skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and move into meaningful employment. With nearly two decades of experience in education, workforce development, and student support, Freitas works with instructors, employers, and community partners to expand inclusive CTE, work-based learning, and career pathways aligned with regional needs.<\/p>\n<p>Freitas holds a master&#8217;s degree in education with a focus on pedagogy from East Carolina University. He also supports workforce inclusion through regional leadership and advisory roles and coaches youth and high school soccer. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, he seeks to strengthen his leadership, expand his national network, and apply new ideas to programs that help all learners reach their potential.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Dr.-Kristin-Heathcock-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Dr. Kristin Heathcock <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Dean of Associate in Science Programs | Hillsborough College<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Kristin Heathcock serves as Dean of Associate in Science Programs at Hillsborough College&#8217;s Brandon Campus in Tampa, Florida. During 20 years in faculty and administrative roles at the college, she has advanced initiatives focused on innovation, access, and student success. Her leadership helped launch the Institute of Financial Technology and a Zero Textbook Cost program that saved students at least $10 million in its first three years, followed by open educational resource and AI-supported content-development initiatives.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier in her career, Heathcock expanded the college&#8217;s hotspot lending program and helped secure funding for its first laptop-lending initiative. She holds a doctorate in educational technology from the University of Florida as well as degrees in library and information science and psychology. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, she seeks to deepen her workforce-development knowledge and amplify her impact. Outside of work, she is an avid runner and race volunteer.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Melissa-Missy-Hibbard-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Melissa \u201cMissy\u201d Hibbard <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Program Director | Miller-Motte College<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Melissa &#8220;Missy&#8221; Hibbard is an allied health educator and higher education leader at Miller-Motte College, where she serves as Program Director and supports 40 adjunct faculty members. Her work emphasizes instructional quality, academic rigor, and student success in online allied health programs. Before transitioning into education, she spent more than 20 years in health care and later worked for 10 years in K-12 education, experiences that inform her approach to practice-based instruction and student support.<\/p>\n<p>Hibbard holds degrees in health care administration and education and maintains several allied health credentials. An ordained minister, she also serves as Executive Director of Stillwater Church and holds volunteer leadership roles supporting youth and community development. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, she seeks to strengthen her leadership, improve learner outcomes, and contribute to scalable, inclusive systems that support both students and educators.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Misty-G.-Hull-.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Misty G. Hull <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Dean of Academic Success for Allied Health | Community College of Aurora<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Misty G. Hull serves as Dean of Academic Success for Allied Health at the Community College of Aurora, overseeing programs in behavioral health, health sciences, and public service. A Colorado licensed professional counselor and longtime psychology educator, she has helped build career pathways responsive to regional workforce needs. At Pikes Peak State College, Hull helped develop a behavioral health program with stackable credentials leading from certificates to associate and bachelor&#8217;s degrees and supported the launch of an inclusive postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities.<\/p>\n<p>Hull now applies that experience to programs preparing students for careers in emergency medical services, fire science, nursing assisting, phlebotomy, and behavioral health. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, she seeks to learn from leaders nationwide and make curricula more responsive to industry needs. Outside of work, she enjoys Colorado&#8217;s mountains and volunteers with her therapy dogs, Hazel and Gus.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Kimberly-Lea-.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Kimberly Lea <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Dean of Workforce Education and Development | Palm Beach State College<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Kimberly Lea serves as Dean of Workforce Education and Development at Palm Beach State College in Florida. With more than 30 years of experience in academic leadership and institutional advancement, she provides districtwide oversight of workforce programs across five campuses. Her leadership has supported enrollment growth, multimillion-dollar public and private funding, expanded high-demand pathways, dual enrollment partnerships, accreditation alignment, and stronger connections between education and regional workforce needs.<\/p>\n<p>Lea previously served as a campus president and held progressive roles in academic affairs and CTE. She earned degrees from Shippensburg University, Florida Atlantic University, and Keiser University and is completing a doctorate at the American College of Education. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, she seeks to refine her leadership, contribute to national workforce conversations, and advance scalable pathways to economic mobility. She also mentors women leaders and enjoys travel, mindfulness, community engagement, and time with her family.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Tyler-Love-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Tyler Love <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Professor and Director of CTE Programs | University of Maryland Eastern Shore<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tyler Love is a professor in the Department of the Built Environment and Director of CTE Programs at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. An alumnus committed to the university&#8217;s land-grant and HBCU missions, he leads programs in CTE, work-based learning, career counseling, and technology and engineering teacher preparation. Love developed Maryland&#8217;s first state-approved undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in CTE teaching licensure, work-based learning, and career counseling, expanding access through online and hybrid delivery.<\/p>\n<p>His scholarship focuses on safety in CTE and STEM learning environments, and he has authored or co-authored more than 100 scholarly and practitioner-focused works. Love was named the 2025 ACTE Region I Teacher Educator of the Year. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, he seeks to broaden his leadership perspective and strengthen career and college readiness across P-16 education. Outside of work, he enjoys sports and renovating his early-1900s farmhouse.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Vance-Miller-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Vance Miller <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Director of Adult Education | York County School of Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Vance Miller serves as Director of Adult Education at the York County School of Technology. With more than 30 years of combined experience in workforce education, transportation operations, and regulatory compliance, he has led multiprogram departments, developed industry-aligned curricula, built instructional teams, and established partnerships that support high-quality technical training. His leadership is grounded in safety, communication, continuous improvement, and real-world career preparation.<\/p>\n<p>Before entering education leadership, Miller founded and grew a trucking company from one vehicle into a multimillion-dollar operation with more than a dozen employees. He has also worked as a professional witness in commercial vehicle crash investigations and as a third-party safety and compliance officer. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, Miller seeks to apply new knowledge and relationships to strengthen CTE and shape the next chapter of his leadership. A cancer survivor and community advocate, he also enjoys golfing, hiking, boating, and spending time outdoors.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Felita-Murphy-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Felita Murphy<br \/>\r\n<\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Associate Director for Career and Technical Education | Illinois Community College Board<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Felita Murphy is Associate Director for Career and Technical Education at the Illinois Community College Board, where she works in the Workforce Education Division to expand access to high-skill, in-demand credentials and meaningful careers. Her commitment to educational opportunity began as a substitute teacher in secondary schools in central Illinois, where she encouraged students, particularly those in underserved communities, to recognize their potential and understand how postsecondary education could open doors.<\/p>\n<p>Murphy earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Illinois Springfield. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, she seeks mentorship, new perspectives, and stronger communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills to advance educational access across Illinois. She is especially eager to collaborate with CTE leaders from other states and translate those relationships into more effective service. Outside of work, Murphy enjoys traveling, reading, staying active, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Joy-Pak-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Joy Pak <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Operations Manager, Business and Social Science Division | Harper College<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Joy Pak serves as Operations Manager for the Business and Social Science Division at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois. With more than 15 years of experience in adult and higher education, she strengthens programs through data-informed decision-making, collaborative partnerships, and operational excellence. Her background in law, education, and policy informs an equity-centered approach to creating accessible pathways for adult learners and aligning day-to-day operations with long-term institutional goals.<\/p>\n<p>Pak holds a Juris Doctor and a Master of Education in educational policy, organization, and leadership. She has led division-wide efforts to streamline workflows, improve process integrity, and cultivate a culture of belonging and opportunity for students and educators. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, she seeks to deepen her leadership, extend her impact on institutional effectiveness, and champion learning communities in which all students and educators can thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys community events and time with family and friends.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Michael-L.-Pate-Ph.D.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Michael L. Pate, Ph.D.<\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Professor and Graduate Program Director | Utah State University<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Michael L. Pate, Ph.D., is a professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education at Utah State University. A former agriculture teacher, he has spent more than 15 years advancing agricultural education and CTE through instruction, graduate education, research, and mentorship. He supports working professionals pursuing online master&#8217;s and doctoral degrees, helping them develop research skills, professional networks, and scholarly identities.<\/p>\n<p>Pate has authored 46 peer-reviewed journal articles and co-authored a textbook, and he contributes nationally through workshops, youth agricultural safety training, and federally supported research. His work reflects a sustained commitment to preparing educators and strengthening applied learning. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, he seeks to expand his leadership in equitable, high-quality career pathways and contribute to national CTE innovation. Outside of work, he enjoys long-distance running and fly-fishing.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Maryann-Reid-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Maryann Reid <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Co-founder | Purpose to Path<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Maryann Reid is an author, educator, and advocate with more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of education, workforce preparation, family empowerment, and community development. A former teacher and professor, she has served students through the New York City public schools, Fordham University, the University of Miami, and the City University of New York. Today, she is co-founder of Purpose to Path, which helps Gen Z and emerging adults pursue careers in the trades, strengthen their families, and contribute to their communities.<\/p>\n<p>Reid is also an award-winning novelist, the founder of The Fortitude House serving young adults who have aged out of foster care, and a member of Rotary International. Her work uses education and storytelling to help people connect purpose with opportunity. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, Reid brings a community-centered perspective and seeks to strengthen pathways from learning to meaningful work.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Michelle-Sliczniak-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Michelle Sliczniak <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Interim Operations Manager, Career and Technical Programs Division | Harper College<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Michelle Sliczniak serves as Interim Operations Manager for the Career and Technical Programs Division at Harper College, where she supports operational and strategic initiatives that strengthen programs and student success. She began her career as a private piano instructor, combining teaching with entrepreneurship, curriculum development, and business management. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, she transitioned into higher education, first working in continuing education and later moving into CTE.<\/p>\n<p>Sliczniak&#8217;s varied experience allows her to bring together teaching, program development, operations, and student support. Known for her collaborative approach, she is committed to expanding equitable opportunities for students pursuing career and technical education. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, she looks forward to growing as a postsecondary CTE leader, learning from colleagues across the country, and contributing her operational expertise to the cohort. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and building Lego sets with her husband.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                                        <div class=\"list-box\">\r\n                                                                    <div class=\"img-area\">\r\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2026\/09\/Dr.-Rachel-Yager-.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                                    <div class=\"text-area\">\r\n                                                                                    <h3>Dr. Rachel Yager <\/h3>\r\n                                        <p><strong>Founder and CEO, FortuneTimes Group | Chief Innovation Officer, RapidPathway<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Rachel Yager, Ph.D., is Founder and CEO of FortuneTimes Group and Chief Innovation Officer of RapidPathway in New York City. Her work focuses on institutional collaboration, digital transformation, and the use of artificial intelligence to strengthen academic and career pathways. Through the Student GPS platform, she helps institutions provide students with coordinated guidance, planning, and support from secondary education to careers. Her CTE and dual enrollment work includes partnerships with education agencies and institutions in the District of Columbia.<\/p>\n<p>A Stanford LEAD Distinguished Scholar, Yager holds a doctorate in computer information systems and advanced degrees from institutions in France and Singapore. She integrates management science, design thinking, and a growth mindset to help education leaders build more intentional connections between learning and work. Through the NextLevel Postsecondary CTE Leaders Fellowship, she seeks to advance collaborative, future-focused approaches to student success. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, cultural immersion, and wellness-focused cooking.<\/p>\n\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                                            <\/div>\r\n                                        <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/section>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2963","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Current Fellows - NextLevel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.acteonline.org\/nextlevelcte\/current-fellows\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Current Fellows - 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