Rob Dickson presently serves as the CIO for Wichita Public Schools, directing all technology infrastructure work for the district. In his previous role, as Executive Director for Omaha Public Schools, introduced innovative initiatives to increase capacities in professional development; among these initiatives is a partnership with Microsoft that has resulted in 200 Microsoft Innovative Educators as well as Instructional Technology Leadership cohorts led by his team. Dickson’s practical understanding of how technology should support student learning, his willingness to listen to and emphasize with teachers in the classroom and ability to communicate vision to key players in the district has brought success to the districts he has served. Dickson also works to consult numerous Districts with their strategic technology vision and implementation. Noteworthy accomplishments include his previous District ranking among the “Top Ten” Digital Districts in the nation four years consecutively, leading the first VBlock cloud data center installation in K-12 education and starting the first virtual school in Nebraska history. Dickson was named 2014’s “20 to Watch” from NSBA for innovation and technology integration work, was recently recognized as one of the 2016 Top 30 Technologists, Transformers, and Trailblazers by the Center for Digital Education, as well as 2017 Administrator PLN Award for Exemplary Leadership from the International Society for Technology in Education.