The Member Spotlight is a new way for CoSN members get to know each other and improve networking. Each month, CoSN will select a member who has volunteered to answer various questions about themselves, personal and professional, and then share their responses with our entire CoSN community.

December 2023 Member Spotlight

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Kevin Adams, EdS Educational Leadership

Kevin Adams, EdS Educational Leadership

Kevin Adams is the Chief Information Officer at Bibb County School District (GA), located in Macon, GA. The district, encompassing 35 schools, caters to around 21,000 students. Kevin Adams is a graduate of CoSN's CTO Academy and actively volunteers for CoSN's Membership Committee.

 

1.  How long have you been a member of CoSN? Why did you join CoSN? 

“I am in my 2nd year in my current position as CIO after working under our previous CIO for 2 years. We have been members throughout that time.”

2.  Why did you join CoSN? What do you enjoy about being a member?

“Thankfully, our prior CIO introduced me to CoSN. I was able to engage in the Data Privacy course while in my prior position which gave me a great first impression of the organization. As I transitioned to CIO, I was fortunate to be accepted into the New CTO Academy where I experienced even greater value in the networking and learning provided."

3.  What Committee do you currently volunteer with?

"I recently started volunteering with the Membership Committee."

4.  What does your daily work entail?

"No one day is the same. As CIO, I have four directors that I lead: Technology Operations, Instructional Technology, Media Services, and also REAA (Research, Evaluation, Assessment, and Accountability). Also under my leadership is our district’s Senior Data Analyst. I serve on our district’s Senior Cabinet alongside the superintendent, deputy superintendent, assistant superintendents, CFO, and Chief Communications Officer. Ongoing efforts include data governance, data utilization, managing our technology budget, supporting our schools, and investing in the leadership of our directors as we collaboratively pursue departmental goals."

5.  How did you get into the field of educational technology?

“Great question! If you had asked me five years ago about my career trajectory, I anticipated continuing in school leadership as Principal. However, the good Lord had other plans. Just before COVID hit, I was asked to transition from the school level to serving our entire district as Director of REAA where I was fortunate to work under the leadership of our CIO. Prior to being in school leadership (6 years in MS), I taught HS math for 13 years. While REAA isn’t directly tied to educational technology, I have always been an early-adopter of technology opportunities. My eagerness to learn more about technology, along with my capacity for leadership, put me in a position to transition from director, to Interim CIO (while we hired a new superintendent), and then to CIO. I am now blessed to have a great team that allows me to focus on leading while they take care of the incredible important technology details."

6.  What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned recently?

“I am a life-long learner! My current quest is to learn as much as possible about the Microsoft tools that we pay for as a district so I can lead by example in utilizing those. My current learning has me increasing my capacity with Microsoft Loop elements."

7.  What are working on right now?

“Data Governance!!! While our district has always had a lens on data privacy and security, we started a Data Governance team this past spring that has been the catalyst for continued improvements in our efforts to ensure data governance expectations are developed for, communicated to, and utilized by all stakeholders. Rarely does a week go by without this getting a significant chunk of my time and attention.

8.  If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?

“One recurring dream I have is that I am flying, so I would likely choose that superpower. However, if I could cure cancer, that would definitely be chosen before flying, as I hate to see so many negatively impacted by this dreadful sickness."

9.  What is your favorite movie or T.V. show?

“I don’t watch much TV, but my son has convinced my wife and I to watch Stranger Things with him. If that is what gives us a chance to bond with our 16-year old, then that will be my current favorite."

10.  Who inspires you the most?

“While I am fortunate to be inspired by many men and women in my life, I must say that I draw my primary inspiration from Jesus. I honestly don’t know how anyone navigates the ongoing challenges without faith in His higher power. I try to read the Bible each day as part of my devotional time and use those verses and stories to draw my inspiration.

11. What is your favorite Fall activity?

"I love UGA Football. While I rarely go to a game, I tend to plan my Saturday’s around game time. Of course, I also LOVE what I consider true fall weather that is crisp enough to require long sleeves, but not so cold to require a jacket.  I love going on a hike with my family when that perfect weather day comes along.

Nominate yourself or another member by filling out the questionnaire.

If you missed any of the monthly member spotlights, click below to hear what our past spotlights had to say.

June 2022 Member Spotlight

Chantell Manahan, CETL®

August 2022 Member Spotlight

Jennifer Lotze, CETL®

September 2022 Member Spotlight

Tony Harvey, PhD

October 2022 Member Spotlight

Kyra Ocker

November 2022 Member Spotlight

Dr. Michelle Watt, CETL®

December 2022 Member Spotlight

Michael Arensdorff, CETL®

January 2023 Member Spotlight

Sarah Radcliffe, CETL®

February 2023 Member Spotlight

John Heffernan

April 2023 Member Spotlight

Mary Mehsikomer, CETL®

May 2023 Member Spotlight

Brandon Manrow, MBA

June 2023 Member Spotlight

Roxi Thompson

July 2023 Member Spotlight

july member spotlight 2023
Kris Hagel, CETL®

August 2023 Member Spotlight

Lindy Hockenbary

September 2023 Member Spotlight

Josh Olstad, CETL®

October 2023 Member Spotlight

Dr. Amy L. Jackson, Ph.D., CETL®