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Dr. John O'Brien serves as the president and CEO of EDUCAUSE, a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education through technology innovation. EDUCAUSE serves over 2,300 member colleges, universities, and organizations from 45 countries. In his role as CEO, he speaks and writes on a variety of topics related to higher education, technology, and the crucial intersection where the two meet. Throughout his 30-year career in higher education, John has served in a variety of key leadership roles. Before his EDUCAUSE appointment in 2015, John served as senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the fourth largest higher education system in the United States. In this position, he was dedicated to ensuring student success and implemented strategic changes to help the 37 colleges and universities in the system adapt to the changing needs of higher education. Prior to this role, John served as president of North Hennepin Community College (NHCC), and before that was director of the "Students First" initiative, a system-wide effort that redesigned online systems to better meet students’ needs. John’s past experience also includes senior positions at Century College, as chief academic officer and subsequently acting president. John also served as associate vice chancellor for instructional technology and deputy CIO for the Minnesota State system. In addition to his experience as a higher education executive, John taught English at a wide variety of institutions. He was a faculty member at Normandale Community College, Augsburg University, the University of Minnesota, the University of St. Thomas, and Augustana University. John holds a bachelor’s degree in English and English education from Augustana University, a master’s degree in Anglo-Irish Literature from the University of Dublin (Trinity College), and a doctorate in English from the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr. was born on June 26, 1956, the son of Mrs. Gussie H. Burgess, and Mr. Bernard A. Harris, Sr. A native of Temple, Texas, he graduated from Sam Houston High School, San Antonio, in 1974. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from University of Houston in 1978 before following that up with a doctorate in medicine from Texas Tech University School of Medicine in 1982.

Ranjit Sidhu is a Chief Executive Officer at ASCD and is based in Annandale, Virginia. He has worked as Senior Vice President, Strategy and New Product Development at The College Board; President and CEO at National Council for Community and Education Partnerships; and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Partners in Education. Ranjit attended University of Pittsburgh, University of Mary Washington, and GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY.