Executive Board
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Liz Jensen | Satellite Supervisor | Miami Valley CTC
President Liz's journey into career and technical education has been somewhat unconventional, stemming from my extensive background in traditional education, particularly in mathematics instruction at Fairmont High School where I also held leadership roles within the Kettering Education Association teachers union. Transitioning to Fairmont’s Career Tech Principal over a decade ago was a pivotal moment, driven by a newfound passion ignited during an OCTA conference. In my role, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of career tech education, which has become my true calling. As a member of OACTE and Ohio CCS, I've benefited from their support and advocacy, prompting me to give back by serving in various leadership capacities within Ohio CCS. Collaborating with JVSD counterparts and advocating for CTE in all its forms has been immensely rewarding. Now, as President of Ohio CCS and a member of the OACTE board, I aim to further champion CTE's positive impact on students' lives and continue its expansion across our state. |
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Mike Parry | Superintendent | U.S. Grant Career Center
Past President With a career dedicated to career and technical education, he previously held the position of Superintendent at Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center. Parry is recognized for his visionary leadership and strong relationship-building skills, fostering connections with stakeholders and leading highly focused teams. Prior roles include Executive Director of Secondary Education at Butler Technology and Career Development Schools, where he oversaw program development and administration. Parry's background also includes teaching positions for at-risk youth and individuals with special needs. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. Parry is an active member of several professional organizations, including the National and State Associations of Career Technical Education and the Ohio Association of Career Technical Superintendents. |
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Frank Polen | Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Adult Education | Buckeye Career Center
President-Elect Frank Polen is in his eleventh year as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Adult Education at Buckeye Career Center. He has helped students of all ages Discover Their Passion and Prepare for Their Future through career and technical education. This year also marks his twenty-ninth year in public education. As a principal, Frank led his building to multiple state honors. He also served as a middle school teacher and high school coach at both River View Junior High and Indian Valley Middle School. In addition, he also has coaching experience at the University level as well. Frank is committed to schools, community development, and leadership initiatives. Frank regularly promotes workforce, education and leadership by conducting professional presentations and leadership assemblies. Active with several organizations and committees, he was recently recognized as the Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year. Frank currently serves on numerous boards locally, regionally and statewide. He was chosen as one of only twenty leaders across the United States by the Association for Career Technical Education (ACTE) as a NEXTLEVEL Postsecondary CTE Leader in 2019-2020. Frank earned his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education at Ohio Dominican University. He received his Masters of Educational Leadership from Salem International University. |
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Ray Caruthers | Principal | Miami Valley CTC
Treasurer Ray graduated from Langston University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in English Education. He was recruited by Columbus City Schools in Columbus, Ohio, to work on the front lines of urban education. Throughout his career as an educator, he has received many awards, including Outstanding Teacher of the Year, WCMH Channel 4 Educator of the Month, Columbus State Community College Educator of the Year, and Columbus Parent-Teacher Association Teacher of the Year. Ray Caruthers was inspired to pursue Educational Policy and Leadership at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. After earning his Master of Arts Degree with an emphasis in Educational Administration, he served as an assistant principal for Reynoldsburg City Schools, a suburb of Columbus, as well as a lead principal and instructional leader in Columbus City Schools. Ray also holds a Master’s of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Bexley, Ohio, earned in 2004. His notable accomplishments include being named Parent-Teacher Association Educator of the Year (2012) and being one of five principals selected as an Ingram Grant recipient (2011). He was one of four principals in Ohio to achieve a National Principal Board Certification, out of only 211 nationwide. Ray Caruthers served as Principal for Career Technical Education at Dayton Public Schools' David H. Ponitz Career Technology Center. His responsibilities included leading high-quality instruction, developing new programs in career and college pathways for multiple district schools, managing a multimillion-dollar annual budget, and regularly engaging with community stakeholders, political leaders, and business leaders. In summer 2016, Ray completed the National Urban Institute program at Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He also had the honor of receiving special clearance and a commission from the Department of State to travel worldwide and collaborate with countries seeking to implement, develop, and sustain high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. He is a past president of the Ohio Career Technical Association for Administrators and currently serves as treasurer for Ohio Career Tech Administrators (OCTA). Ray has served as chairman on the Executive Committee for the National Association for Career and Technical Education Conference across fourteen states. His roles have included teacher, lead principal of a career tech center, chief of academics, and principal at Miami Valley CTC. He holds certifications as a superintendent, deputy superintendent, and a National Board-Certified Principal. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Delta Lambda Chapter in Springfield, Ohio, where he currently serves as president. He is a contributing author to four books, with his latest titled "EPIC - with one opportunity - The reality of having a one-time chance at getting anything great." |
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Rebecca Bihn | Director of CTE | Oregon City School District
Secretary Rebecca Bihn is currently serving as the Career Tech Director at Oregon City Schools. For the past nine years, she has spearheaded the Career and Technical Planning District (CTPD), achieving an impressive five-star ranking for the last three consecutive years—a testament to her strategic vision and unwavering dedication. Under her guidance, Oregon City Schools' career tech programs have flourished. Rebecca is credited with the successful launch of several impactful initiatives, including new programs in Teaching Professions and Construction Trades, significantly broadening the scope of opportunities for students. Demonstrating a keen understanding of foundational learning, she also introduced five new middle school courses specifically designed to seamlessly integrate with high school career tech pathways, fostering early engagement and long-term student success. Furthermore, her commitment to professional development is evident in the annual teacher bootcamp she has meticulously organized for staff over the past three years, empowering educators with the latest industry knowledge and pedagogical techniques. With a remarkable 31 years of experience in education, Rebecca's career trajectory is marked by diverse and impactful roles. Her journey began as an Adult Education Instructor, followed by a period as a Medical Technologies Teacher, showcasing her hands-on expertise in various fields. She has also served as a Dean of Students and a 6-8 Principal, experiences that have undoubtedly honed her administrative expertise and deep understanding of student development across different age groups. Beyond her direct school responsibilities, Rebecca is a prominent figure in state-level career and technical education advocacy. She has held the position of secretary and currently serves as president-elect of Ohio CCS, demonstrating her commitment to the broader educational community. Additionally, her dedication is further exemplified by her role as Secretary of Ohio ACTE, where she contributes to shaping policy and promoting best practices across the state. Rebecca's academic foundation is as robust as her professional experience. She holds an Associate Degree in Medical Assisting, a Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Education in School Administration. Complementing her advanced degrees, she possesses a 5-12 Principal license, underscoring her qualifications to lead and inspire within the educational landscape. Rebecca’s career is a testament to her profound impact on career and technical education, continually shaping programs and empowering both students and staff for future success. |
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Dee Smith | Executive Director | OHIO ACTE
*non-voting member
*non-voting member
Dee has represented clients’ interests in a variety of roles around the capitol for over 19 years. During her career, she has successfully advocated for corporations and trade associations across numerous substantive issue areas, with particular expertise in environmental issues, healthcare, and education. Her well-respected reputation is built on honesty, hard work, and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
Forging an unconventional path to her current position, she began her career as a legal assistant at Card, Cook, Holt, and Pugh in Memphis, Tennessee, before moving to Roth, Shannon, and Underwood in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. After an extended leave following the birth of her daughter, she joined Pappas & Associates in 2004.
A dedicated champion of career-technical education, Smith advocates for the interests of Ohio’s career-tech schools and students across the state before the Ohio General Assembly and statewide offices. Her dual perspective as both an alumna and a parent of a career-tech student provides policymakers with invaluable expertise as decisions are made on Capitol Square.
Forging an unconventional path to her current position, she began her career as a legal assistant at Card, Cook, Holt, and Pugh in Memphis, Tennessee, before moving to Roth, Shannon, and Underwood in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. After an extended leave following the birth of her daughter, she joined Pappas & Associates in 2004.
A dedicated champion of career-technical education, Smith advocates for the interests of Ohio’s career-tech schools and students across the state before the Ohio General Assembly and statewide offices. Her dual perspective as both an alumna and a parent of a career-tech student provides policymakers with invaluable expertise as decisions are made on Capitol Square.
