DR. MELODY SCHOPP | PANEL FACILITATOR
Dr. Melody Schopp, PhD serves as the Director of Education Industry Consulting at the SAS Institute, supporting the Education Practice to empower education leaders and states to use analytics to improve student outcomes. Following two decades of classroom experience, Schopp entered the South Dakota Department of Education, where she served in numerous director positions, including deputy secretary. She was appointed Secretary of Education in 2010 and served seven years as part of the cabinet. Before joining SAS in 2020, Schopp spent three years as a national education consultant with various clients focused on improving academic and emotional opportunities for students.
DR. ERIC MACKEY | STATE SUPERINTENDENT, AL
Dr. Eric G. Mackey serves as the Alabama State Superintendent of Education. Since being named state superintendent in 2018, Mackey has focused on innovative initiatives outlined in the strategic plan, Alabama Achieves, including the Alabama Literacy Act, STEM, Career Technical Education, and workforce development. He recognizes the importance of the whole child approach in promoting the long-term development and success of all children.
PENDER MAKIN | STATE COMMISSIONER, ME
Across her more than 20-year career, Makin has devoted herself to the mission of public education. Makin is charged with leading the state agency that administers both state education subsidy and state and federal grant programs; coordinates the authoring of the rules for Maine State education statutes passed by the Maine State Legislature; provides professional development, information, supports, and resources, as well as a system for educator credentialing; and leads many collaborative opportunities and partnerships in support of local schools and districts.
WILLIE JETT | STATE COMMISSIONER, MN
Willie Jett understands the challenges and strengths of all communities, and his career is characterized by a commitment to raising student achievement and closing opportunity gaps. He is committed to preparing our future citizens, growing Minnesota’s workforce and supporting professional educators.
KIRSTEN BAESLER | STATE SUPERINTENDENT, ND
Kirsten Baesler is the state school superintendent and administrator of the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. The superintendent and her 86-person team oversee the education of public and nonpublic school students in more than 480 buildings across the state. She was first elected in November 2012. She is an advocate for developing young people as citizens, with respect, courage, compassion, integrity, a sense of responsibility, and appreciation of the unique nature of America.
LIZZETTE GONZALEZ REYNOLDS | STATE COMMISSIONER, TN
Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds currently serves as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Education. She was sworn in on June 29, 2023. As Commissioner of Education, Reynolds’ career reflects a deep commitment to education policy and advocacy including school accountability, college and career pathways, and public and private school choice.
DR. JILL UNDERLY | STATE SUPERINTENDENT, WI
Dr. Jill Underly was elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction on April 6th, 2021. Dr. Underly has a deep background in public education, since 1999, she has worked in all facets of public education: at the college level, but also at both the state and district levels as a teacher and administrator.