Director of Information Services, Monroe County Intermediate School District

I have been serving in the K12 technology field for 17 years and I have been at the Monroe County ISD for the last 7 years. Prior to this, I served at Jefferson Schools and Monroe Public Schools in Monroe County. I have a Bachelor’s in Computer Programming and a Masters in Instructional Technologies.

I am happy to have served on the MAEDS board for the past 9 years. I remember attending my first MAEDS Fall Conference in 2008 and after that, I was hooked. After each event, I get energized and I feel ready to go out and solve all the world problems! I enjoy all the networking that happens at and away from the MAEDS events and the personal and professional relationships that I have developed over the years. I have learned many things from others that have presented at the events that I brought back to my district’s and I regularly contribute and present on topics relating to mostly Microsoft and Security. If re-elected, I am looking forward to continuing serving you.

Director of Technology, Dexter Community Schools

I am the Director of Technology for Dexter Community Schools and have worked here for the past five years. Though, my career working in K-12 Technology is going on 17 years. In my spare time I coach high school golf and keep busy working out, bowling, and keeping active with my family. I found the MAEDS conferences many years ago and thought it was a great organization to grow our crafts. In our ever changing industry, having MAEDS to lean on, learn from, and network with individuals that experience many of the same struggles I do has played a very important role with my success in this field. As a member of the MAEDS Board for the past eight months, I have enjoyed my time working with current board members and witnessing the great events that happen behind the scenes. I am excited for the opportunity to continue to help the organization during these challenging times.

Technology Director, Oakland Schools

Ryan Velzy is currently the Director of Technology Operations at Oakland Schools. His career in technology began 25 years ago as a high school student in the co-op tech program with Northville Schools. While attending Ferris State University he worked as a computer tech for Big Rapids Schools. After college he obtained a tech job with Jackson ISD. While at Jackson ISD he was promoted several times holding the following positions.: Computer Tech, Database Administrator, Lead Database Administrator and Information Systems Manager. Family commitments and timely opportunity led him to Oakland Schools. His first position was Director of Technology - Field Services, overseeing the creation of the field services model of Oakland Schools. This model currently manages over 56,000 students in Oakland County. In 2015 he was promoted to his current role which oversees the following areas: enterprise network services, service desk, and field operations. Ryan has been a long-time member of MAEDS, attending and presenting at conferences since 2003. Ryan is finishing his first term on the MAEDS board. During his first term he helped the MAEDS board make the commitment to move MAEDS to Grand Traverse Resort. He is looking forward to helping the MAEDS board with that change once the COVID-19 pandemic is over if elected for a second term. He is looking forward to contributing his time, talents, and ideas to the MAEDS members as part of the Board of Directors.

Director of Technology Services, Chelsea School District 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you over the past 7 years. It has been a pleasure working on the board to help put on a quality conference and PD every year.  I was the conference chair in 2017 and served as MAEDS president in 2018.  I have been coming to the MAEDS conference for over 20 years and I’ve presented at the conference several times in the past.

Currently I am the Director of Technology for Chelsea School District and have been for the last 22 years. During my time at Chelsea I have managed 3 different technology bonds and have implemented all the technology systems that go along with those bonds. I have experience managing a 1 to 1 program for over 15 years and currently we are 1 to 1 using iPads in grades K through 12.

I have worked in the K-12 technology field for over 30 years and have enjoyed all the changes along the way. With all the technology challenges we have all faced in 2020, I think MAEDS will be even more important going forward as we look to support each other with all the new technology needs in education. I would be honored to continue to serve the MAEDS membership by being on the board and lending my services to put on the best technical conference and PD day in Michigan. 

District Technology Coordinator, Van Buren ISD

Dan Grimm is the District Technology Coordinator for Van Buren ISD - he oversees technology for Decatur Public Schools and Lawton Community Schools. Dan started his educational technology career in 2011 interning for the Plainwell Community Schools Technology Department.  He then started with VBISD in 2016 after graduating from Western Michigan University with his Bachelor’s in Computer Information System. Dan has been a MAEDS member for four years now and has been on the SPOT/Device Purchasing committee for three years.  Dan has been a presenter at the MAEDS Fall Conference and a session manager numerous times.  He is very passionate about EdTech across Michigan. Dan and his wife Heather had their first little guy, Benjamin, last Fall. Like most, Dan cannot wait for the pandemic to be over and get back up north to the conference safely!

Director of Technology, Coloma Community Schools

Ben Rimes lives in St. Joseph, MI and has been the Technology Director and School Improvement Chair for Coloma Community Schools for the last 3 years. He previously served as the Curriculum Director and Instructional Technology Coach for the Mattawan Consolidated School District in addition to many years in the classroom at the elementary and middle school levels. He has served on the MACUL Board of Directors, taught as an adjunct instructor for MSU's Graduate program for Educational Technology, and is active in Scouts BSA as his son's Cubmaster for Pack 623 in St. Joseph.

Technology Coordinator, Grand Ledge Public Schools

Nate Moore has served as an educator for more than two decades. He has teaching experiences at both the elementary and secondary levels. Nate has always found technology integration helpful and inspiring in his practice. In addition to serving as a teacher, Nate is also a Technology Coordinator in the Grand Ledge Public Schools. In this capacity he is able to share his love of technology and assist his teaching staff so they can better their teaching craft and support student learning.

Nate possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s Degree in K12 Educational Administration. He is also a Google Certified Educator and an Apple Teacher. He possesses a certificate in Information Technology from Lansing Community College and a certificate in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. Recently, he earned the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) certificate from the MSBO organization. Nate is also a delegate with MACUL. He has been a member of MAEDS for two years and is inspired by all of the great people involved in the organization and always looks forward to the annual conference.

Away from work, Nate likes to read, travel, and spend time with family and friends. He is the host of the Lead, Learn, Grow Podcast.

Director of Technology, Traverse Bay Area ISD

For nearly 20 years, Brandi Reynolds has worked to improve learning outcomes for students and staff with the use of instructional technology. Brandi spent the first 10 years of her career with Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) teaching middle school history and language arts at East Middle School, then serving as its Instructional Technology Coach and Curriculum Coordinator for 5 years. In 2016, Brandi transitioned into administration becoming the Director of Technology for TCAPS. From 2018 to the present, Brandi has worked as the Director of Technology for Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD), allowing her to assume greater responsibilities across the region and develop professional relationships across Michigan.

Brandi earned a Masters Degree in Educational Technology from Michigan State University, holds several Google Certifications, is the co-creator of the WiredTC Learning Conference, and is an engaged member of the Michigan Educational Technology Leaders (METL), MACUL, and REMC RITS organizations.

When she is not working, Brandi enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two daughters exploring the amazing natural wonders of Northern Michigan.