Aim Hire 2023
Breakout Session
Round 2

Lisa Gray’s career has been dedicated to improving the educational outcomes of ALL of Ohio’s students. Prior to leading Ohio Excels, Gray had her own consulting practice specializing in public policy development, government relations, advocacy, strategic planning, and project management with an emphasis on public education. Her clients included the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Achieve, Inc., Philanthropy Ohio, Battelle for Kids, Ohio Business Roundtable, Teach for America, Jobs for the Future and the Office of Governor Taft, among others. Prior to starting her consulting practice, Gray was the Director of Policy and Communications at Battelle for Kids from 2001-2005. In 2000, Gray served as the Project Director of the Governor’s Commission for Student Success. The bi-partisan commission, appointed by Governor Taft, developed recommendations for improving Ohio’s K-12 public education system. Gray also served as the Deputy Executive Assistant to Columbus Mayor Greg Lashutka. Prior to joining the Mayor’s office, Gray served in a number of positions at the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Gray graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, with a BS in Elementary Education. At the start of her career, she served as an elementary school teacher. She and her husband have four wonderful sons, all of whom have been educated in Ohio’s public schools.

Chancellor Randy Gardner was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019 to serve in the Governor’s cabinet after 33 years of service in the General Assembly, including 19 years in House and Senate elected leadership positions. During his time in the House and Senate, Gardner achieved a 100% voting record, totaling 10,433 consecutive votes.  He earned the title “Cal Ripken of the state legislature” for his historic voting record. Chancellor Gardner oversees the state’s higher education system, including public and independent universities, community colleges and adult career centers.  He and his wife of 40 years, Sandy, continue to reside in Bowling Green and are the parents of three children and three grandchildren.

The State Board of Education of Ohio selected J. Christopher Woolard, Ph.D., to lead the Ohio Department of Education as the interim state superintendent of public instruction. For nearly two decades serving the State of Ohio, Dr. Woolard has focused on improving student achievement through the effective use of school and district data to inform decision-making. With a focus on academic growth, accountability and strengthening statewide education partnerships, Dr. Woolard champions best practices and collaborative strategies to advance opportunities for all students. Previously serving as the Department’s chief program officer, Dr. Woolard worked closely with agency program centers and units to oversee all initiatives related to continuous improvement, student supports, advancing professional supports, performance and impact, and teaching, leading and learning. He continues to lead work focused on the Future Forward Ohio state priorities to support pandemic recovery, literacy achievement and reading success, workforce readiness, student wellness and educational options. Dr. Woolard began working at the Department in 2003. Prior to serving as chief program officer, he served as the senior executive director of the Center for Performance and Impact where he led work focused on state assessments, development of Ohio School Report Cards, implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the creation of data tools for educators and state-level policy research. Dr. Woolard received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Political Science from Muskingum College and a Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Political Science from Miami University. He completed a prestigious fellowship with the Harvard Strategic Data Project and has previously received the Data Quality Campaign’s State Data Leader Award for promoting data use to improve student learning and achievement. As a father of three, Dr. Woolard understands the importance of education and is committed to ensuring all Ohio students receive the tools necessary to build successful futures. In his spare time, Dr. Woolard enjoys staying active through running and biking, and watching his children play soccer.

Lisa Gray’s career has been dedicated to improving the educational outcomes of ALL of Ohio’s students. Prior to leading Ohio Excels, Gray had her own consulting practice specializing in public policy development, government relations, advocacy, strategic planning, and project management with an emphasis on public education. Her clients included the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Achieve, Inc., Philanthropy Ohio, Battelle for Kids, Ohio Business Roundtable, Teach for America, Jobs for the Future and the Office of Governor Taft, among others. Prior to starting her consulting practice, Gray was the Director of Policy and Communications at Battelle for Kids from 2001-2005. In 2000, Gray served as the Project Director of the Governor’s Commission for Student Success. The bi-partisan commission, appointed by Governor Taft, developed recommendations for improving Ohio’s K-12 public education system. Gray also served as the Deputy Executive Assistant to Columbus Mayor Greg Lashutka. Prior to joining the Mayor’s office, Gray served in a number of positions at the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Gray graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, with a BS in Elementary Education. At the start of her career, she served as an elementary school teacher. She and her husband have four wonderful sons, all of whom have been educated in Ohio’s public schools.

Chancellor Randy Gardner was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019 to serve in the Governor’s cabinet after 33 years of service in the General Assembly, including 19 years in House and Senate elected leadership positions. During his time in the House and Senate, Gardner achieved a 100% voting record, totaling 10,433 consecutive votes.  He earned the title “Cal Ripken of the state legislature” for his historic voting record. Chancellor Gardner oversees the state’s higher education system, including public and independent universities, community colleges and adult career centers.  He and his wife of 40 years, Sandy, continue to reside in Bowling Green and are the parents of three children and three grandchildren.

The State Board of Education of Ohio selected J. Christopher Woolard, Ph.D., to lead the Ohio Department of Education as the interim state superintendent of public instruction. For nearly two decades serving the State of Ohio, Dr. Woolard has focused on improving student achievement through the effective use of school and district data to inform decision-making. With a focus on academic growth, accountability and strengthening statewide education partnerships, Dr. Woolard champions best practices and collaborative strategies to advance opportunities for all students. Previously serving as the Department’s chief program officer, Dr. Woolard worked closely with agency program centers and units to oversee all initiatives related to continuous improvement, student supports, advancing professional supports, performance and impact, and teaching, leading and learning. He continues to lead work focused on the Future Forward Ohio state priorities to support pandemic recovery, literacy achievement and reading success, workforce readiness, student wellness and educational options. Dr. Woolard began working at the Department in 2003. Prior to serving as chief program officer, he served as the senior executive director of the Center for Performance and Impact where he led work focused on state assessments, development of Ohio School Report Cards, implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the creation of data tools for educators and state-level policy research. Dr. Woolard received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Political Science from Muskingum College and a Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Political Science from Miami University. He completed a prestigious fellowship with the Harvard Strategic Data Project and has previously received the Data Quality Campaign’s State Data Leader Award for promoting data use to improve student learning and achievement. As a father of three, Dr. Woolard understands the importance of education and is committed to ensuring all Ohio students receive the tools necessary to build successful futures. In his spare time, Dr. Woolard enjoys staying active through running and biking, and watching his children play soccer.