Chicago, IL (April 15, 2026) — CoSN — The Consortium for School Networking, a premier association of K-12 education technology leaders, today honored CoSN Project Director Donna Williamson with its 2026 Seymour Papert Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes a CoSN member whose career has had a lasting impact on education and technology.

Williamson was one of Alabama’s earliest K–12 chief technology officers, serving Mountain Brook Schools, and went on to become a respected leader across the South. She later served as a long‑standing member of the CoSN Board of Directors. Following her retirement from district leadership, Williamson continued her influence at the national level as the creator and project director of the CoSN Academy for K‑12 Early Career and Aspiring CTOs, helping build the next generation of education technology leaders.

Under Williamson’s leadership, the Academy grew from 20 participants in 2020 to 51 participants in 2026. Since its launch, the program has supported 291 participants and engaged 127 thought partners. Williamson also led the Academy’s expansion through strengthened state partnerships and growing national interest, while shaping high‑quality learning experiences focused on cybersecurity, infrastructure, innovation, and leadership.

“Receiving such a prestigious award, such as the Seymour Papert Lifetime Achievement Award from CoSN, was both shocking and humbling. Following so many outstanding leaders is such a tremendous honor,” said Donna Williamson, Project Director at CoSN. “Being part of the CoSN family network has probably influenced my career more than any other factor, aside from my family. Thank you to all my long-time friends and colleagues, and my CoSN Academy family, for your kind words and support. Your congratulatory messages mean the world to me.”

“Donna’s influence is felt not only through the roles she has held, but through the leaders she has helped prepare and support along the way,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “We are deeply grateful for her years of service to CoSN and to the profession, and proud to recognize her with the Seymour Papert Lifetime Achievement Award.”

The award was presented during CoSN’s annual conference, “Building What’s Next, Together,” which kicked off on Monday, April 13. The conference focused on advancing the knowledge and skills of K-12 education technology leaders — including CIOs/CTOs, superintendents, and solution providers — while addressing key topics such as cybersecurity, student data privacy, and the use of generative AI in schools to support safe and effective practices within the K-12 system.

Learn more about the CoSN2026 awards at: cosn.org/about/awards/.

About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 education technology leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. www.cosn.org/