40th Annual Leadership Summit
“Leading Now: AI, Readiness and Real Solutions for Today’s Schools”
Why Attending This Summit Matters
This Executive Leadership Summit brings together the people, priorities and tools shaping the work ahead across New York State. Commissioner Betty A. Rosa and the New York State Education Department leadership team, alongside experienced practitioners and industry experts, will engage directly with district leaders offering insight, clarity, meaningful dialogue and practical, actionable solutions to the issues shaping your work right now.
Please refer to the Summit Program Book, Full Agenda, & Speaker Descriptions for more information.
Early registration has closed, but standard registration is still open.
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Brian Graham is a seasoned educational leader with more than 38 years of experience and currently serves in his tenth year as Superintendent of the Grand Island Central School District. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, having served as Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services in West Seneca, as well as a middle school principal, elementary principal and special education teacher. Dr. Graham is widely recognized for his forward-thinking leadership and his ability to translate innovation into impact. Under his direction, Grand Island has strategically integrated emerging technologies including Khanmigo, ChatGPT, Claude, NotebookLM, ThinkTech and ZeroEyes to enhance student engagement, strengthen school safety and elevate academic outcomes. A respected voice in the field, Dr. Graham is the host of two education-focused podcasts: Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools, with more than 15,000 downloads, and Inspiring Viking Values, which highlights school culture and student success. He currently serves as President of the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association, where he collaborates with regional leaders to advance public education. Nationally, Dr. Graham is a sought-after presenter and consultant, specializing in strategic AI adoption, AI-enhanced curriculum design, leadership development and innovative approaches to school safety. Dr. Graham is actively leading conversations across the country on The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Education, equipping school leaders with the tools, strategies and vision needed to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape and to create inclusive, future-ready learning environments for all students.
Regent Adrian Hale is a proud son of Rochester, NY, and a civic leader throughout the greater Rochester community. He is the Municipal & Community Relationship Manager at Rochester Gas & Electric. Previously, Adrian was the Director of Economic & Community Development at Foundry and served as the Senior Manager of Workforce Development, Talent Strategy, and Education Initiatives at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. He is driven by a deep belief in leadership through service and remains a passionate advocate for advancing equity and opportunity for all. Adrian's life in public service began in the United States Marine Corps, where he served five years of active duty, including two combat deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After his honorable discharge, Adrian re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, where he served for three additional years. His commitment to personal growth continued through education. Adrian began his collegiate journey at SUNY Monroe Community College (MCC), graduating with an A.S. in Liberal Arts with distinction while concentrating on the Social Sciences. During his time at MCC, Adrian became a leader in student government and maintained a 4.0 GPA, earning the 2014 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. He later transferred to Yale University, where he earned a B.A. in Political Science and studied politics. On March 1, 2023, Adrian was elected to represent New York's 7th Judicial District, encompassing the Finger Lakes region, on the New York State Board of Regents. On the Board, he co-chairs the Adult Career & Continuing Education Services Committee, which focuses on serving the education and employment needs of New York State’s adult citizens. He is also a member of the Technology Policy and Practices Council, which advises the Board of Regents on issues related to digital capacity, content, and usage across the state and is the co-chair of the National Association for State Boards of Education (NASBE) EdTech Advisory Council. Adrian's leadership in the Rochester community has garnered numerous accolades. In 2019, he received the Center for Teen Empowerment's Champion for Youth Leadership Award. The following year, he was named to the Rochester Business Journal and ACCE's 40 Under 40 list. In 2024, Adrian was honored with the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s Ignite Award, recognizing young professionals who achieve excellence in their fields. Beyond his professional achievements, Adrian remains deeply engaged in community initiatives. He has served as co-chair of the NYS FLREDC Regional Economic Development Council's Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the NYS Governor's Workforce Development Initiative Committee. Adrian lives by the ethos: "Do what you can today until you can do more tomorrow," and continues to be an unwavering advocate for a better future for Rochester and beyond.
Dr. Betty A. Rosa serves as the Commissioner of Education for New York State and President of the University of the State of New York, the system responsible for overseeing and coordinating education across the state. She was appointed as the permanent Commissioner in February 2021 by the Board of Regents, becoming the first Latina woman to hold this position. A nationally respected education leader, Dr. Rosa brings decades of experience spanning classroom teaching, school and district leadership and statewide policy. She began her career in New York City as a bilingual paraprofessional and teacher, later serving as a reading coordinator, assistant principal and principal in special education. She went on to serve as superintendent of Community School District 8 in the Bronx and later as Senior Superintendent, overseeing multiple districts. Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, Dr. Rosa served as Chancellor of the Board of Regents from 2016 to 2020 and was first elected to the Board of Regents in 2008, representing the Bronx. Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, Dr. Rosa served as Chancellor of the Board of Regents from 2016 to 2020 and was first elected to the Board of Regents in 2008, representing the Bronx. Dr. Rosa is widely recognized for her commitment to educational equity, access and excellence. Her leadership has focused on advancing opportunities for all students, particularly those in underserved communities, and strengthening systems that support culturally and linguistically diverse learners. She holds a Doctor of Education and Master of Education from Harvard University in Administration, Planning and Social Policy, along with additional graduate degrees in administration, supervision and bilingual education from the City University of New York. Throughout her career, Dr. Rosa has received numerous honors for her leadership and service, reflecting her enduring impact on education in New York State and beyond.
Dr. Jonah M. Schenker serves as District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of Ulster BOCES, a role he assumed in March 2023 following approval by the Ulster BOCES Board of Education and New York State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Betty A. Rosa. In this capacity, he also serves as the Commissioner’s representative, supporting & collaborating with the eight component school districts across the Ulster BOCES region. Dr. Schenker brings a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to educational leadership, grounded in a career that began in both urban and rural classrooms. His work has consistently focused on building non-traditional, sustainable school models and cultivating learning communities that prepare students and educators for the demands of a rapidly evolving world. His leadership was instrumental in his school being recognized as a White House Next Generation High School in 2016, a reflection of his commitment to innovation and future-ready education. That same year, he was awarded a Global Leadership Scholarship, providing him the opportunity to study high-performing education systems around the world and deepen his perspective on transformational leadership. Dr. Schenker’s philosophy centers on the power of people…the ability to listen, observe, communicate and organize in ways that unlock potential, foster growth and create space for meaningful reflection. He is deeply committed to empowering individuals to understand their value and operate effectively within their roles, strengthening both organizational culture & outcomes. Throughout his career, Dr. Schenker has led & supported the development of innovative school models across the country, helping systems rethink traditional structures, remove barriers & align practice with the needs of today’s learners. His work, informed by both national and international experience, continues to position school systems to adapt, evolve and lead in the face of uncertainty.
Jeff Pirozzolo is a Principal at TGL, LLC and continues to serve as an educational consultant with C&S Companies, an engineering, architecture and planning firm. Most recently, Mr. Pirozzolo served as Superintendent of the Auburn Enlarged City School District, a role he held from July 2015 until his retirement in January 2025. During his tenure, he also served the district as an assistant principal and Assistant Superintendent for Personnel, bringing a strong focus on leadership, operations and organizational development. Mr. Pirozzolo remains actively engaged in the Auburn community, serving on several boards, including the Cayuga Community College Board of Trustees, the E. John Gavras Center and the Auburn Education Foundation. In recognition of his leadership and community impact, he was recently honored with the 2024 Celebration of Champions Award by Champions for Life, a nonprofit organization serving communities across Central New York with a mission to build character through sports and recreation.
Dr. Brian Schmitt is a nationally certified school superintendent with more than 27 years of experience in classroom instruction and educational leadership. He completed the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Superintendent Certification Program in 2017 and the Lamar University Superintendents Academy in 2014. Dr. Schmitt holds a Doctorate in Executive Leadership and a Master of Science in Education from St. John Fisher College. Throughout his career, he has served in leadership roles across a range of school districts, including Genesee Valley CSD, Hannibal CSD, East Irondequoit CSD and Fairport CSD, bringing a depth of experience across rural, suburban and small city environments. A respected voice in the field, Dr. Schmitt presents regularly at local, state and national conferences, including the American Association of School Administrators, the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), the Rural Schools Association and the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA). He has also served on the Executive Committee for NYSCOSS, the Horace Mann League and the Western New York Educational Service Council. Dr. Schmitt’s areas of expertise include leadership development, school improvement, STEM instructional design, facilities management, community schools, grant development, leadership and instructional coaching and board-superintendent relations. He currently consults with rural, urban and suburban districts as an instructional turnaround specialist, supporting school systems in strengthening outcomes, improving organizational effectiveness and building sustainable practices.
Hannah Morgan is a Senior Project Manager on the Efficiency Planning and Engineering Team at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). In this role, she coordinates the P–12 Schools Initiative, which is focused on expanding clean energy investments and advancing energy efficiency across school districts throughout New York State. Ms. Morgan has been with NYSERDA for eight years, with her work primarily centered on supporting the P–12 education sector through strategic planning, technical assistance and program implementation. Prior to joining NYSERDA, she served as the Sustainability Coordinator at SUNY Oneonta, where she led campus-wide sustainability initiatives and efforts to promote environmental stewardship. Ms. Morgan holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Environmental Science from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Scott Martin is the Founder & CEO of THiNKtech and a former educator and school leader with more than 20 years of experience serving as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and high school principal in Western New York. Driven by a clear vision for more connected and effective school systems, Scott transitioned from school leadership to scale THiNKtech across New York State, supporting districts in strengthening the alignment between teams, data and instruction. His work focuses on building innovative instructional infrastructure that leverages artificial intelligence in thoughtful and practical ways. Through THiNKtech, Scott partners with districts to align curriculum, assessment and data systems enabling stronger data-informed decision-making and more responsive teaching practices. His approach is rooted in a core belief that technology in schools should create efficiency for educators while enhancing, not replacing, the student experience. By reducing unnecessary screen time and promoting meaningful conversation, collaboration and shared learning, THiNKtech helps districts move away from fragmented systems toward a unified platform that connects curriculum, assessment, data and instruction in one place...ultimately streamlining operations, reducing costs and improving outcomes.
John Paul Jewell is a clean energy and sustainability leader with over a decade of experience driving business development, sales strategy, and financing solutions across the energy sector. He currently serves as Regional Sales Director at OPTERRA Energy Services, where he leads efforts to expand energy efficiency and infrastructure solutions across the Eastern United States. Following the 2025 acquisition of ENGIE North America Inc.’s services business by LS Power Group, he transitioned into a leadership role within the reestablished OPTERRA brand, continuing to build on his experience as Regional Sales Manager. Prior to this role, Jewell spent nearly nine years at ENGIE North America Inc., where he advanced from Business Development Manager to Regional Sales Manager, helping deliver distributed energy and decarbonization solutions for public and private sector clients. His earlier career includes roles at Environmental Law & Policy Center, where he focused on clean energy finance and research, as well as positions with Vestas Wind Systems and Dairy Farmers of America. Jewell holds a joint MBA from Yale School of Management and a Master of Environmental Management from Yale School of the Environment. His work sits at the intersection of clean energy innovation, finance, and sustainable infrastructure development.
Robert Breidenstein has served as Executive Director of the New York State Association of Small City School Districts since October 1, 2023, bringing decades of experience in educational leadership, student support services and district administration. He began his career in education at Genesee Valley Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), where he held multiple roles including Itinerant Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education (CSE/CPSE) Chairperson, elementary school counselor and dean of students. Mr. Breidenstein went on to serve as Director of Guidance at Oakfield-Alabama Central School District and later as Middle School Assistant Principal at Orchard Park Central School District. He continued his leadership work in the West Seneca Central School District, where he served as Principal of Northwood Elementary School and was subsequently appointed Director of Special Education, leading program development and ensuring compliance to support diverse learners. He later served as Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services in the Tonawanda City School District, overseeing student support services and special education programs. In 2011, Mr. Breidenstein was appointed Superintendent of the Salamanca City Central School District, a position he held for more than eleven years. During his tenure, he led districtwide initiatives focused on student achievement, organizational effectiveness and community engagement. A longstanding advocate for small city school districts, Mr. Breidenstein served on the Association’s Board of Directors for eleven years and was elected President in 2021. He retired from the superintendency in 2022 and now continues his work in support of district leaders across New York State as Executive Director. Mr. Breidenstein resides in West Seneca with his wife, Lisa, and remains actively engaged in his community.
Dr. Felicia A. Watson is a leadership strategist, connector and nationally recognized advocate for educational equity, strategic growth and community empowerment with more than 30 years of experience across education, government and community engagement. Throughout her career, Dr. Watson has worked in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED), supporting more than 1,500 school districts and nonprofit organizations across multiple states including New York, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, Colorado and Washington, D.C. Her work has focused on strengthening institutions, building strategic partnerships and advancing initiatives that create meaningful impact for children, families and communities. Dr. Watson served nine years on the Poughkeepsie City School District Board of Education, including five years as Board President through June 2024. She is widely respected as a strategic thinker, collaborative leader and passionate advocate for public education. Through her work with the New York State Center for School Safety, Dr. Watson provided professional development and technical assistance to school districts across New York State on major initiatives including SAVE legislation and the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). She also led statewide technical assistance efforts for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative on behalf of the NYSED and the ED, supporting hundreds of afterschool and expanded learning programs until her early retirement in 2021. Internationally educated, Dr. Watson earned her MBA from ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain, where she remains actively engaged as a mentor and global leadership ambassador. Dr. Watson believes strongly in the power of collaboration, strategic relationships and global dialogue to create lasting change and expand opportunity for future generations.
Jessica Zwierzynski is the Dean of Students at Binghamton High School and serves as the PLAN Pilot Project Lead for the Binghamton City School District. In this role, she collaborates with district and school leaders, educators, and mentor school partners to help guide the development and implementation of Performance-Based Learning and Assessment (PBLA) as part of New York State’s PLAN Pilot initiative. With a background in alternative education, student support systems, and instructional leadership, Jessica focuses on creating equitable, student-centered learning experiences that promote authentic engagement, deeper learning, and multiple pathways for students to demonstrate mastery. Her work centers on building collaborative structures for teachers, supporting project-based learning design, and helping schools align PBLA practices with New York State’s evolving vision for graduation measures and the Portrait of a Graduate.