Brian Lewis, M.A., CAE, chief executive officer, is an energetic education advocate and leader specializing in management and governance, policy, corporate communications, branding and marketing. His passion for building vibrant, mission-focused teams and fostering organizational brand strength, coupled with his ability to advance long-range growth plans, make him a dynamic leader poised to help shape ISTE’s future.

Brian provides leadership for ISTE’s Washington, D.C., and Eugene, Oregon, offices and directs organizational planning and performance, while working with the ISTE board of directors to ensure effective governance as well as legal and ethical integrity.

Brian joined ISTE in September 2012 following a 25-year career in both the public and private sectors. He has served as a nonprofit association leader in several capacities, including chief strategy officer and interim CEO for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), as executive director of the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO), as assistant executive director for the California School Boards Association (CSBA), as director of governmental relations for the San Diego County Office of Education and the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA), and as senior legislative advocate for CSBA. He also has served as an elected school board member for the Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District in Roseville, California, USA.

Brian holds a M.A. in communication studies from California State University, Sacramento, and a B.A. in mass communications from the University of California, Davis.
 

Leslie S. Conery, Ph.D., CAE, interim chief education officer, is a creative and results-driven leader with more than 20 years experience developing strong teams to meet organizational goals. She has experience developing partnerships and working collaboratively with government, nonprofit and privately held organizations for the purpose of improving student learning through the use of digital age technologies.

Leslie has provided nonprofit leadership as ISTE’s deputy CEO, chair of ISTE’s educational technology conference and exhibition, and as a member of ISTE’s NETS (National Educational Technology Standards) leadership team. She is currently serving as the interim chief education officer and working collaboratively to help drive ISTE’s current and future impact on education globally. Leslie has served on numerous boards and advisory groups supporting innovative educators on every continent, and she has collaborated with educators and policy-makers globally to bring about systemic change in education.

Leslie holds a M.S. in computer science education and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with research emphases in the areas of educational technology and professional development.

Jessica Medaille, chief membership officer, is an experienced leader with 25 years in the post-secondary, private education sector, working for large corporations, new venture start-ups and nonprofits. Jessica has held executive responsibilities in education and association management, membership development, marketing, sales, operations, customer service and business development. She joined ISTE in 2005 after serving as a regional director at Kaplan, Inc. and as vice president of operations at Teacher Universe. 

A collaborative leader and creative problem solver, Jessica is recognized for developing strong, innovative teams that support educators who are transforming the way students learn and teachers teach. As chief membership officer, Jessica oversees all membership relations and programming while leading the planning and execution of ISTE conferences, expositions and events. Jessica holds a B.A. in sociology from Bryn Mawr College. 
 

Deborah Mersino, chief marketing officer, brings a robust blend of branding savvy, creative inspiration and strategic direction to her role. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing communications, she is highly adept at leveraging messaging, design, public relations, advertising, social media, collateral, publications, research and events to showcase an organization’s true differentiators for maximum impact.

Deborah joined ISTE in February 2012, after serving as founder and principal of Ingeniosus, a global marketing communications firm serving nonprofits, businesses and educators dedicated to supporting gifted and talented learners worldwide.

As chief marketing officer, Deborah oversees ISTE’s marketing and communications and also leads the periodical and publishing arms of the organization. Deborah holds a B.S. in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
 

Craig Thibaudeau, chief external relations officer, is an innovative and strategic thinker with a passion for the difference education can make for our children, our schools and our world. Craig has more than 30 years of senior-level association management experience representing U.S. nonprofit, domestic and international organizations. Working with education, corporate, political and diplomatic leaders, he has directed strategic initiatives supporting public policy at the international, national, state and local levels of government. During his career, he has specialized in nonprofit strategic planning, legislative advocacy, marketing and communications, membership and event management.

Craig oversees ISTE’s government relations and corporate relations programs. He joined ISTE in November 2012 following more than 10 years with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, where he served as executive director for external relations and executive director for mobilization and outreach.

Craig received his B.A. in political sociology from Eisenhower College and completed the professional development program in association management with the American Society of Association Executives and the College of Business and Management at the University of Maryland.
 

Anne Tully, chief operating officer, is an inspirational financial and operations leader with proven experience in nonprofit management and professional services, in both publicly and privately held organizations. Anne has exceptional skills in change management and process re-engineering, and an innate ability to plan strategically as well as execute on those plans. She joined ISTE in 2011 as CFO, after serving for over 12 years as the vice president of finance and administration at Gongos Research Inc. in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

A collaborative team builder, Anne is results and action oriented.  She is a forward thinker with positive energy and a focus on driving continuous improvement. She has a passion for lean thinking and seeks creative solutions to solve business problems. As chief operating officer, Anne oversees all business operation functions, including fiscal, IT, HR, business operations and the Customer Knowledge and Support Center.

Anne holds a B.S.A. in accounting from the University of Michigan and an MBA in finance from the University of Detroit.