Dear ACTEA Members,

It is with deep enthusiasm, gratitude, and a profound sense of responsibility that I extend this warm welcome to each of you as I begin my tenure as the proud President of the New York State Association of Career & Technical Education Administrators (ACTEA). I am truly honored to serve in this capacity and to continue advancing the vital work of our amazing organization and the mission and vision of NYS CTE.

ACTEA has long stood as the premier professional association for Career and Technical Education (CTE) leaders across New York State. With a proud history rooted in advocacy, professional learning, and transformational leadership, ACTEA represents more than just an association—it is a collective voice, a dynamic network, and a driving force for excellence in CTE. Our mission to support, elevate, and empower CTE leaders is more critical than ever, and I am committed to upholding the values, standards, and vision that have defined ACTEA for decades.

As we look ahead, my commitment is to serve with integrity, purpose, and transparency. I aim to build upon the strong foundation laid by the exceptional and dedicated leaders who have come before me by:

• Expanding high-quality training and professional development opportunities that meet the evolving needs of our members. This includes our signature Annual Leadership Conference, which brings together CTE administrators, state leaders, and industry partners for powerful learning and collaboration; our virtual Continuing the Conversation series, which sustains meaningful dialogue throughout the year on relevant and timely CTE topics; and our Leadership PowerDrives, designed to sharpen leadership capacity, foster innovative thinking, and support both new and experienced CTE administrators in navigating the challenges of today’s educational landscape. These offerings, alongside ongoing regional and statewide events, are intentionally curated to ensure ACTEA members have access to the best tools, strategies, and support to lead with impact;
• Advocating boldly for CTE, by building meaningful relationships and fostering shared goals with key partners at all levels. Our continued collaboration with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) ensures that the voice of CTE is heard in policymaking and programmatic design, including our active engagement in statewide initiatives like Inspire NY. We also work closely with Committees on Special Education (CSEs) across the state to ensure that students with disabilities have equitable access to high-quality CTE pathways that support individualized learning goals and successful post-secondary outcomes. Our partnerships with business and industry leaders remain critical as we align our offerings with labor market demands and support authentic work-based learning experiences. Additionally, we actively engage with our K-12 partners to promote early awareness and career pathway development. Through collaboration with state and national agencies, ACTEA represents New York on broader platforms to influence legislation, secure resources, and strengthen the perception and value of CTE across the country. This multi-level advocacy ensures that ACTEA remains at the forefront of educational policy and workforce development conversations;
• Fostering consistency, continuity, and credibility across all of our CTE programs—by ensuring that our messaging, curriculum, and program structures reflect the excellence of our field. We are leading efforts to shift public perception, refine our language, and elevate how we describe the transformative opportunities that exist within CTE. By aligning our curriculum work and our Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) initiatives statewide, we are strengthening program quality and ensuring that decisions are rooted in data, relevance, and equity. Additionally, we are committed to highlighting innovative programming that addresses regional workforce demands, promotes 21st-century skill development, and engages young professionals in high-demand, high-opportunity pathways. This shared focus not only enhances program credibility but also reinforces CTE’s essential role in driving economic and community development.
• Strengthening our partnership with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) by continuing to collaborate on statewide initiatives, such as Inspire NY, which elevates and modernizes our approach to career readiness and workforce development. Through this initiative, we are working hand-in-hand to spotlight best practices, highlight successful models, and build a cohesive statewide vision for CTE that meets the needs of New York’s students and communities.

Each of you plays an essential role in shaping the future of CTE in New York State. Our shared passion for student success, innovation in programming, and dedication to excellence binds us together. I am confident that by working together, we can continue to elevate our field and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals and amazing CTE Leaders.

Thank you for your trust, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to CTE. I look forward to engaging with you, learning from you, and leading alongside you.

Together for the future of CTE,

Michele M. Friedman
President
New York State Association of Career & Technical Education Administrators (ACTEA)

 

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THANK YOU ANEDDA!!

On behalf of all of us, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to President Anedda Trautman for her years of dedicated service to ACTEA. President  Trautman’s  unwavering commitment and passionate advocacy for Career and Technical Education have left a lasting impact—not just on this organization, but on students, educators, and programs across New York State. Her outstanding leadership, vision, and tireless efforts have elevated the work we do and inspired us all to keep pushing forward. Thank you, Anedda, for your remarkable service and for being a true champion for CTE.