Technology Director - Branch Intermediate School District

I am the Technology Director at Branch-ISD for the past year, prior to that I started at the ISD in 1997 as a part time level I tech. In 2001 I started full time and eventually moved up to the level II tech.  I have been a MAEDS member for most of my career at the ISD.  I still have strong enthusiasm for MAEDS and my profession and enjoy the networking opportunities with my peers. I would love to be a board member to assist in providing the best technology professional development opportunities in Michigan.

Technology Director - Beal City Public Schools

Mr. Eggenberger has been serving on the MAEDS board of directors since 2004, and has not missed
attending the fall conference since his first trip in 1998. MAEDS holds a special place in his heart, and he
hopes to continue serving MAEDS and its membership for another term.

Technology guy - Macomb ISD

I am a life member of the MAEDS organization and have been a board member for over 35 years. I have nearly 40 years of K-12 technology experience. I helped take MAEDS from a mainframe and programmer driven organization to the K-12 technical organization it is today. One of my goals is to help keep the MAEDS conference a technical professional development and peer networking event for all experience levels as well as keeping the event as affordable as possible. I believe the unmatched value of our organization is the networking and knowledge sharing with our peers in districts of all sizes across the state in K-12.

Desktop Engineer - Ingham ISD

If you don't know me, I'm Chris Thomas. I'm currently the Desktop Engineer for Ingham Intermediate School District and our contracted districts, but I've also been a Coordinator and Technician with Bloomfield Hills and an intern with Huron Valley Schools in the past so I've seen some things. I'm active on the techc listserv, present often at MAEDS, and currently sit on the board for the Michigan System Center User Group (MISCUG). I'm interested in joining the MAEDS board so that I can give back to this wonderful community in a new and interesting way.

Director of Technology Services - Van Buren ISD

I have been in the Educational Technology space for 18 years now, starting as a Workstation/Network Analyst at a southwest Michigan LEA and working my way through the ranks to the Director of Technology Services for Van Buren ISD, where I have served in this position the past 8 years. Before my time with Van Buren ISD, I was the Tech Director at Gobles Public Schools as a ‘one man show’ learning the ropes of all aspects of the ed tech world (drinking through a firehose) and wearing many hats as most of us have had to do. You could say I have worked my way from the ‘mailroom’ to my current position with a lot of hard work and dedication. My time in the trenches has definitely shaped me into the leader I am today and given me great appreciation for all levels of this profession.

I have a Masters of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems Management from Ferris State University (Go Dawgs!), and the CTO certification from MSBO. I enjoy the day to day challenges that face our staff, students, and Districts and am always looking for the best solutions to assist with achieving their goals. I believe that excellent customer service makes all the difference in the world and have presented the past 2 years at MAEDS on this important topic.

I have been a member of MAEDS for the past 10 years and look forward to the Fall PD conference the most for the great sessions and networking opportunities. I see this week as a great team building opportunity for my staff and feel great pride when they make those connections to others in the field. I would be honored to serve on the MAEDS board and
continue the great networking/PD opportunities this organization provides.

Director of Technology - Dexter Community Schools

I have been in IT in education for 17 years. I am currently the Director of Technology for Dexter
Community Schools and have been here for the past 8 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 conference many years ago and thought it was a great organization to network with
colleagues. In our ever-changing industry having MAEDS to lean on, learn from, and network
with individuals that experience the same struggles I have, has played a very important role in
my success.

Director of Technology Operations - Oakland Schools

Ryan Velzy is currently the Director of Technology Operations at Oakland Schools.  His career in technology began 27 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, Ryan obtained a tech position with Jackson ISD.   During his time here, Ryan 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 most recently on Cyber Security in October of 2022.  Ryan is finishing his second term on the MAEDS board.   During his first term, he helped the MAEDS board make the commitment to move MAEDS to Grand Traverse Resort which allowed MAEDS to grow to over 400 members in 2022.  He is looking forward to contributing his time, talents, and ideas to the MAEDS members as part of the Board of Directors.