NAPE Executive Committee

The NAPE Executive Committee is the leadership and representative body of the NAPE membership, leadership of NAPE’s Board of Directors (i.e., State Members), and it provides strategic direction for the organization. 

The Executive Committee is focused on NAPE membership, public policy, and programming (which includes technical assistance, highlighting NAPE services and professional development, webinars, and support for the annual National Summit for Educational Equity (SUMMIT). It discharges this duty by setting an annual Program of Work. Eleven members serve staggered terms between 1 and  3 years. New members are elected annually by the Board of Directors. Executive Committee members get an unique opportunity to represent their community and states through being advocates for equity by:

  • Leading the Program of Work for NAPE
  • Engaging advocates for equity through Public Policy, Professional Development opportunities, and member to member best practices and sharing
  • Supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion growth and knowledge of each advocate


Most of the Committee’s work is done through seven subcommittees: Awards, Bylaws, Finance, Public Policy, Summit Planning, Nominations, and Member Services.

2025-26 Executive Committee Members

  • Sara Baird, President
    Assistant Director, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, CTE

  • Valeriah Big Eagle, Ed.D., Member at Large
    Director of Strategic Partnerships, NDN Collective

  • Sheila Box, State Member at Large
    Education Specialist II, State of Alaska, Department of Education & Early Development

  • Brittany H. Brady, NAPE Chief Executive Officer

  • Kacy Little Owl, Member at Large
    Secondary Student Success Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

  • Julie McMurtrey, Affiliate Member at Large
    Associate Dean of Student Care, College of Eastern Idaho

  • Gina McPherson, CTEEC Representative
    Director of Special Programs, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

  • German Moreno, Member at Large
    Professor, Dona Ana Community College

  • Eva Scates-Winston, State Member at Large
    CTE Equity Specialist, Minnesota State System Office

  • Jonathan Wickert, Ed.D., Executive Committee Secretary, State Member at Large
    Director, Career and Technical Education and STEM Initiatives,  Delaware Department of Education

Program Committees

  • Awards
  • Bylaws
  • Finance, Aime’e Julian, Chair
  • Member Services, Kathy Albin, Chair
  • Nominating
  • Professional Development, Joe Green and Michael Tinsley, Co-Chairs
  • Public Policy and Advocacy, Michael Tinsley (TN), Chair
  • Summit Planning: Joe Green, Chair