Executive Board
Michael Parry | Superintendent | US Grant Career Center
President Michael Parry serves as Superintendent at U.S. Grant Career Center in Bethel. With a career dedicated to Career 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. |
Dr. Brian Bontempo | Superintendent | Auburn Career Center
President Elect Brian has started his 8th year as the Superintendent of Auburn Career. He has been implementing numerous positive changes during his tenure. Under his leadership, the district has undergone staffing reorganization and initiated the addition or improvements of programs such as Production Welding Technician, Criminal Justice, Dental Assistant, Technology & Engineering Design, Computer Networking Technology, Cyber Security, Pro Web and Game Design as well as a major expansion of the Public Safety and Health Care Programs. He spearheaded a marketing rebranding process, initiated the Auburn Education Foundation, and developed a facilities renovation plan, resulting in a resurgence of enrollment to its highest levels in years. Brian has also launched innovative initiatives, including a summer boot camp skills program for high school students and adults, expanded adult programming through customized models and the development of “Sprint” classes that are designed to offer short term, after school credential courses. He has led workforce and skills training committees, launching initiatives in Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Technology. Recently, Auburn Career Center has expanded offerings in micro-credentials to middle schools and initiated a regional Certified Production Tech initiative through Career Based Intervention. In Addition, under Brian’s leadership, Auburn’s Ohio Technical Center has added a Pathway to Careers series designed to offer training skills to young adult students with special needs. Brian brings a wealth of experience to his role at Auburn Career Center. With 13 years of service as both Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent at Lake County ESC, he has honed his leadership skills and gained a deep understanding of educational administration. His time as Principal at Willoughby South High School enriched his understanding of school management and student needs. Brian’s diverse background in education, including roles as Assistant Principal, Director of Technology, classroom teacher, and head wrestling coach, equips him with a comprehensive perspective on the various facets of the education system. He was past President of the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA), former Chairman of the Lake County Schools Health Care Consortium, and serves on several advisory boards. He holds a B.S. in Business Education, M.Ed. in Computer Education and School Administration, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Additionally, he holds Ohio licenses as Superintendent, Treasurer, and K-12 Principal. |
Jon Graft | Superintendent/CEO | Butler Tech
President Elect Jon Graft serves as the Superintendent/CEO of Butler Tech, one of Ohio’s premier providers of career technical education, where he has cultivated dynamic business and industry partnerships to foster student opportunity and drive regional economic growth. Spearheading innovative initiatives such as the Fifth Day Experience and Student Showcases, Butler Tech stands at the forefront of the Education Revolution. With over 17,000 secondary students served daily and more than 2,000 adult students annually, Jon's leadership ensures Butler Tech's continued excellence in education. Prior to his role at Butler Tech, Jon served as Superintendent of the Butler County Educational Service Center, where he significantly expanded educational programming and professional development services. With roots in education, Jon held leadership positions in the Middletown City School District and Madison Local Schools. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Bowling Green State University and a Master’s Degree in Administration from the University of Dayton. Jon is an active member of various educational associations and community boards, including the National and State Association of Career Technical Education, Ohio Association of Career Technical Superintendents, and the Middletown Chamber Executive Board, among others. |
Liz Jensen | CTE Principal | Kettering Fairmont High School
Treasurer My journey into career 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. |
Krista Gearhart | Director of CTE | South Stark Career Academy
Secretary Krista Gearhart boasts a decade-long tenure as the Director of Career Technical Education (CTE) at South Stark Career Academy, a Stark county compact catering to students from Canton Local, Osnaburg Local, Perry Local, and Sandy Valley Local school districts. Additionally, she fulfills the role of Director for Student Services, overseeing all counseling-related matters, at the CTPD lead district, Canton Local. Prior to her administrative career, Krista taught Language Arts in Perry Local Schools while pursuing a dual-license in School and Clinical Mental Health counseling. She subsequently served as a School Counselor in Jackson Local and Canton Local School Districts for eight years. Krista's leadership extends to professional CTE organizations, where she held the position of Past-President of the Ohio Association of Comprehensive and Compact Schools (Ohio CCS) and currently serves as Legislative Chair on its Executive Board. Furthermore, she serves as President of OCTA region IV and sits on the state OCTA board. With active participation in ODE Workgroups and strong relationships with CTE colleagues statewide, Krista is a respected figure in the CTE community. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Kent State University and Walsh University, respectively, and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. |
Dee Smith | Executive Director | OHIO ACTE
*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. |