CEN Members play a key role in the success of our community as a whole. To acknowledge those contributions, CEN presents the Outstanding Leader Awards annually to any individual from a CEN member organization who has provided extraordinary leadership, energy, ideas, and achievements for the advancement and development of the CEN community, its products and/or services, and/or its foundational mission, vision, and values.

*COLA Recipients will receive free admission to the CEN Member Conference

Read more about our 2024 Outstanding Leaders below:

Cathie Drury

Cathie Drury is a passionate and forward-thinking leader in educational technology. As Director of Educational Technology for Coventry Public Schools and co-chair of CEN’s Education & Development Advisory Committee, she’s helped bring innovation and equity to classrooms across Connecticut. Cathie’s work on the CEN Conference and the Innovation in Education Track has given educators the tools and inspiration to grow and connect. Her dedication to collaboration and her ability to bridge local and statewide efforts make her a true champion of CEN’s mission.

Congratulations and thank you Cathie.

Jason Healy

Jason exemplifies leadership and dedication to the CEN community through his active engagement and expertise. From delivering high-impact webinars like “Transitioning to IPv6” to co-presenting on cutting-edge topics such as Video AI, he brings valuable insights to members statewide. As a member of the Service Management Advisory Council and a frequent contributor at the CEN Member Conference, Jason helps shape CEN’s strategic direction while promoting collaboration and growth. His commitment to quality, innovation, and community-building makes him a key force in advancing CEN’s mission.

Congratulations and thank you Jason.

Michael Mundrane

Michael Mundrane has been a steadfast leader and advocate for Connecticut’s research and education network. As CIO at UConn previously and now CSCU, he championed staff engagement through sponsorship of attendance at the CEN Annual Conference, fostering collaboration and professional development across institutions. His service on the CET and Infrastructure Advisory committees helped shape statewide educational technology policy, and his strong support for CEN’s aggregated services advanced cybersecurity alignment between UConn and CEN’s broader strategic goals. As a board member of NEREN, Michael contributed to key decisions that strengthened regional research connectivity. His leadership exemplifies CEN’s mission, vision, and values—always focused on what matters most to the community.

Congratulations and thank you Michael.

Eligibility

• Any individual at a CEN member institution is eligible for this award, if they have not already received it 
• Non-CEN Members, such as R&E members, vendors, or resellers, may be considered on an individual case basis  

View the 2024 Oustanding Leader Award Recipients

Criteria for Selection

The successful candidate must satisfy some or all the following criteria: 

• Demonstrated leadership and/or a consistent pattern of extraordinary dedication to the CEN community and/or its foundational mission and values 
• Record of positive impact on the broad CEN community and stands out among peers in similar positions 
• Active participation in one or more CEN community teams including advisory councils, project teams, working groups, or community engagement activities 
• Be widely recognized as a team player and one who has enriched the CEN community 

Nominating Process

• Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis, with submissions due for each year’s candidates by March 18 
• Nominations can be from an individual at any CEN member institution or from the Commission for Educational Technology 
• Self-nominations are allowed with 1 – 3 letters of recommendation 
• Complete the nomination form

Questions? Contact getconnected@cteducation.net