SAGINAW TWP, MI— Jenny Geno, executive director of career and technical education (CTE) with the Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) has been named 2023 ACTE National Administrator of the Year.
According to a news release shared by the ISD, Geno was named admin of the year during the Association for Career and Technical Education’s (ACTE) Excellence Awards gala in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 30.
A biography of Geno was provided in the ISD release:
“Jenny Geno is the Executive Director of Career and Technical Education at the Saginaw Intermediate School District in Saginaw, Michigan. With 19 years of experience in CTE, Jenny has a deep passion for improving the lives of students and adults through the robust training and career opportunities that CTE offers. Through the lens of equity and access, Jenny works to break down barriers and create new paths toward rewarding careers for all individuals. She believes that education, in all forms, is the great equalizer.”
Locally, Geno is a board member of Saginaw Future, Inc. and the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on the Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works Career Education Advisory Council Board, the Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association Board, the Saginaw Inclusion Council, and the Saginaw Food Club Board, focusing on providing fresh food to community members residing in designated food deserts, according to the press release.
Geno said the work she’s done to earn the award is a testament to the work done by her coworkers and the educational progress made in the region.
“It is because of our amazing community and robust partnerships that I am able to do what I do,” said Geno. “This honor is for my fantastic team, partners, our entire region, and the great state of Michigan.”
ACTE said it annually recognizes excellence and dedication within the field of career and technical education among ACTE members. Geno was previously recognized by the ACTE as the region-one administrator of the Year for 2022 before receiving the national award for 2023.
The release said recipients of these awards, including Geno, are individuals who have exceptionally contributed to the success of CTE through the quality of their work and involvement in the CTE community.
The “Administrator of the Year” honor is awarded to CTE professionals at the school, district, county, state, or federal level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student
Success while making significant contributions toward innovative, unique, and effective career and technical education programs.
Saginaw ISD Board of Education President Ruth Coppens said in the release that the staff and students have been grateful to have Geno because of her dedication to the CTE field and the growth it has seen during her time with the district.
“Saginaw ISD is very fortunate to have such a dedicated administrator that is passionate about CTE and every student in Saginaw County,” said Coppens. “We are proud to have Jenny Geno honored at one of the largest stages with this well-deserved award.”
The release said programs that have been implemented and designed at the ISD during Ms. Geno’s tenure include:
- Implementation of eight new CTE programs with advanced training opportunities in partnership with Saginaw Career Complex (SCC)
- Initiation of “Teacher Academy” and “Nursing Academy” in the Early Middle College Programs that are designed to address critical shortages while offering students exceptional career opportunities for a fraction of the cost
- Initiation of registered apprenticeship expansion through pre-apprenticeship programs at SCC
- Creation of the Saginaw County Youth Ambassador Program designed to develop peer mentors that promote Saginaw County
- Receiving full funding for a $6.3 million Marshall Plan grant with 74 partners
For more information on Saginaw ISD CTE programs, visit the career and technical education section of their website.
For more on ACTE, visit their website: acteonline.org.
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