July 18, 2023

Recognizing a Visionary Leader:

Congratulations to Mike Soules, Recipient of the Peter C. Young Award

Amidst the AESA Summer Leadership Conference's energy and camaraderie, a remarkable moment unfolded as Mike Soules was presented with the esteemed Peter C. Young Award.

Mike is a long-time friend of AESA, whose exceptional dedication and visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on the educational service agencies (ESAs) landscape.

The Peter C. Young Service Award is a prestigious accolade that celebrates individuals who have displayed extensive service leadership in advancing ESAs at regional, state, or national levels.

It is a testament to Mike Soules' exemplary contributions that he was chosen as this year's recipient. From his profound involvement with AESA to his unyielding commitment to empowering educational leaders, Mike truly embodies the values and qualities that define the essence of this award.

Cultivating the CEOs of Tomorrow:

Celebrating the Success of the 2022-23 Executives in Residence Program

As the sun sets on another remarkable year, we celebrated and applauded the resounding success of the 2022-23 Executives in Residence Program during last week's Summer Leadership Conference.

This year's program has been nothing short of extraordinary, exemplifying the unwavering commitment to excellence and fostering the growth of the ESA leaders of tomorrow.

The Executives in Residence Program, a yearlong, performance-based opportunity, has proven to be an invaluable platform for nurturing and honing the skills of aspiring CEOs. Embracing a multi-faceted approach, the program is curated to ensure participants are equipped with the necessary expertise, inspiration, and mentorship required to thrive in the dynamic business landscape.

One of the program's cornerstones is the involvement of influential CEOs from the AESA Executive Council and other ESAs as host organizations who mentor aspiring executives. These visionary leaders have generously shared their wealth of knowledge and educational insights, serving as guiding beacons throughout the journey of the participants. Their invaluable contributions have undoubtedly made a profound impact on shaping the leadership capabilities of this year's cohort...

As an executive assistant, I understand the value of networking and sharing experiences within our niche. The AESA Executive Assistant to the CEO Network's goal is to create a supportive community where executive assistants to the leader of an organization like yourself can connect, collaborate, and grow together.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting in this role, our network provides an opportunity to share insights, best practices and learn from one another.

Key benefits of the Executive Assistant to the CEO Network:

• Networking: Expand your professional network by connecting with other executive assistants from educational service agencies.
• Knowledge Exchange: Engage in discussions about the challenges and successes we encounter in our roles, and learn from real-world experiences.
• Professional Development: Access resources, tips, and advice to enhance your skills as an executive assistant.
• Supportive Community: Find a supportive group of peers who understand the unique demands of our profession.

Your participation will add immense value to the community, and I sincerely hope you will consider joining the 2023-24 cohort. Should you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to contact me at afiene@aesa.us.

The ESA Women in Leadership Network is a forum for ESA women leaders to strengthen their leadership through networking with other women in ESA leadership.

Registration is limited to 25 participants per cohort. Please register as soon as possible to assure you are part of this fantastic group of leaders!

Submitted by ed-fi Alliance

As the 2023 AESA Summer Leadership Conference comes to a close, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to all the participants who contributed to making this event a resounding success. These past several days have been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with insightful discussions and collaborative efforts that have the potential to shape the future of education in powerful ways.

Highlights of the Conference

One of the highlights of this year's conference was the presence of Ed-Fi, our new AESA Business Partner. EdFi brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise, emphasizing the transformative power of data in education. Their insights have ignited a curiosity about the possibilities of connected data systems and how they can unlock even more profound insights to drive positive change in our educational institutions...

This conference provides in-depth information that ESA leaders need to equip them for their advocacy both in Washington D.C. and back home.

AESA's legislative advocacy team connects participants with experts on the legislative topics that affect educational service agencies and the school districts they serve. Participants receive up-to-the-minute information about emerging and pending federal legislative issues.

There is time built into the schedule for ESA leaders to plan their visits to Capitol Hill so that they can personally advocate to their federal legislators on issues important to them.