Walter McKenzie

Lindsay Prendergast

2020 ASCD Emerging Leader

Walter is an innovative leader who seeks to bring out the best in everyone around him! I've been fortunate to collaborate with him on numerous projects and he does everything possible to ensure utmost professionalism, impact, and engagement for all involved. He's dynamic, kind, and supportive. Walter is a visionary leader, too, who pursues continuous growth and improvement and I've learned a great deal from his leadership style.

Silvia Breiburd

Affiliate Board President, Argentina ASCD

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Walter before, during and after the pandemic and he is a passionate leader and relationship builder whose empathy helps organizations cross thresholds of all types in search of improved results. Committed mentor and skillful problem-solver, Walter can expand the potential of organizations through fostering fruitful collaboration.

Brian Kesel

Assistant Superintendent, West Genessee, New York, School District

As an educator, staying on top of the ever-changing landscape of reform and practice is nearly impossible without strong support and guidance from leaders in the field. Knowing that I can connect with Walter McKenzie in a heartbeat with any questions or wonderings is comforting to say the least. Whether it is in my role as a school district administrator or as member of the NYSASCD Board of Directors, I know Walter is a phone call, text, or email away. He knows the answers, has the experience, or connects me with some the biggest education brains on, quite truthfully, this planet to support me. It is an honor to count Walter as a mentor, a guide, and as a friend.

Gretchen Oltman

Associate Professor, Creighton University

Walter is integral in helping educators establish themselves as professionals - and to continue growing personally and professionally - throughout their entire careers. My work with him through various ASCD adventures has found him to be a wonderful colleague. I've so enjoyed his inquisitive nature, his intellectual spirit, and his desire to learn. Walter is innovative and willing to take risks. His work is professional, engaging, and I value his wealth of expertise!

Marie Adair

Affiliate Executive Director, New Jersey ASCD

Walter is instrumental in providing the new vision for ASCD and its meaning in terms of supports for educators and kids. Throughout any given year, Walter is our “go to” ASCD connection to provide information and support for our reputable work in the state. We would not be as effective without his service and willingness to always be available and support us.

Charles Gobron

Superintendent, Northborough-Southborough Massachusetts Regional Schools

As the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and later as the Superintendent of Schools, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Walter almost on a daily basis, and I was tremendously impressed with the dedication, enthusiasm, and skill that he brought to his work. He was a champion for integrating technology into instruction, and he was a driving force in improving communication efforts throughout the districts.

Girish Rajput

Enterpise Solutions Director, Arlington Virginia Public Schools

Walter is an exceptional executive leader! Besides being incredibly intelligent, he is considerate and thoughtful. He is a seasoned executive with strong technical, business and leadership skills. He has a tremendous work ethic, a high-level of integrity, and always focuses his attentions on what is best for the organization.

Mary Marotta

Educational Technology Leader, Nashoba Massachusetts Regional Schools

Walter McKenzie is a talented collaborative educator and dedicated professional. I have known and worked with him for over ten years. I was fortunate to receive an invitation from Walter to participate in an ASCD think tank in Washington DC. It was an outstanding two-day event where Walter was able to bring together a group of talented educators to share and collaborate. I was honored to be part of it.

Dennis O'Connor

Instructional Designer, Classroom Connect

Walter helped get me started in online learning way back in the 1990s, where I appreciated his leadership at Connected University. When he asked me to work with him at ASCD, I jumped at the opportunity. I knew that any project that Walter was directing would be one worth my time and interest.

Jessica Bohn

2012 ASCD Emerging Leader

What makes Walter a truly exceptional leader is that he is able to navigate complex relationships with vast internal and external stakeholders across a large organization, and he makes it look easy. He follows through on commitments, thinks outside the box, and balances many time-intensive initiatives. Walter is genuine and innovative, which makes people want to follow, collaborate and perform.

Betty Brito

Affiliate Executive Director, Rhode Island ASCD

Walter provides leadership support and expertise for our affiliate. He is responsive to our requests for assistance, and shares processes that are effective in moving our work forward. Walter is my "go to" guy: organized, resourceful, and competent.

Mary Beth Hertz

Technology Integration Specialist, The Science Leadership Academy at Beeber

I have had the pleasure of connecting both virtually and face to face with Walter and I respect his ability to think deeply about teaching and learning and his skill at asking challenging and thought-provoking questions. He provides a unique and important voice to the education community.

Montgomery Hitschler

Director of Town and School Technology for Rockport Massachusetts

Walter is first and foremost a person who has the ability to bring people together to collaborate in a positive solution thinking manner. He was always looking for the best possible way to accomplish a goal even if that meant having to take a step back first. Working for Walter helped me greatly, in understanding the bigger picture of school systems. I would without hesitation work for him again.

Sharron Zoeller

Affiliate Board President, California ASCD

I want to share a very special thank you, Walter. Your perspective, depth of knowledge, and grasp of the transformative direction of education provides our board with first class support! You are always a steadfast and responsive resource for our affiliate. I want you to know that I very much appreciate your leadership and I look forward to our continued working together.