Chief Academic Officer (CAO) Conference

Kerry Gain

Kerry Gain is currently the Deputy Executive Director of Academic Services at the Region 13 Education Service Center. In a career spanning 30 years, Kerry has experience in the roles of teacher, campus administrator, and district administrator and has served the communities of DeSoto ISD, Wylie ISD, Comal ISD, and Del Valle ISD. Before joining Region 13, Kerry was the Chief Academic Officer in Del Valle ISD. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, both from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is the proud mother of an Auburn University junior (War Eagle!) and a Canyon High School junior (Go Coogs!), and the proud wife of a Texas Ex. Kerry and her family make their home in New Braunfels.

The Life of the CAO

In this keynote presentation, Kerry Gain, a former Curriculum Director, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, and Chief Academic Officer, will share lessons learned, practical advice, and a little humor from the life of a CAO.

The reality of public education in Texas today is that much is expected while very little is given. Expectations continue to rise, resources continue to tighten, and the scrutiny placed on school leaders is often intense and unrelenting. For Chief Academic Officers, the challenge is not simply managing initiatives, accountability systems, and instructional programs—it is leading through uncertainty while keeping students at the center of every decision.

Through a blend of funny stories, difficult lessons, and candid reflections from years in district leadership, this session will explore what it truly means to serve in the CAO role. Participants will gain practical insights on navigating pressure, building trust, maintaining focus on what matters most, and leading with integrity when competing priorities threaten to pull attention in every direction.

Whether you currently occupy the CAO chair or aspire to sit in it one day, this session is designed to encourage, challenge, and equip you for the journey ahead. Most importantly, it will offer perspective on how to do the work well without sacrificing your values, your family, or yourself in the process.

Dr. Jill Siler

In her first months as a superintendent, Jill faced financial crisis along with many other challenges that leadership brings. In 2015, her school board was named a TASA Honor Board as one of the top 5 school boards in the state and one of her campuses was named a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School. Jill served as the Chair of the Future-Ready Superintendent Leadership Network (FRSLN) Design Team where innovative leaders across Texas gather to learn, share and grow together.

Jill has a passion for helping others reach their goals and is the leader of Texas’ Aspiring Superintendent Academy and leads Texas’ First Time Superintendents Academy. Jill speaks at leadership and teacher conferences across the country. Her first book, Thrive Through the Five was published in 2020 and talks about how to thrive in the most challenging times.

Albert Felts

Director, Student Support Services, Region 13 Education Service Center

Albert Felts is the Director for Student Support Services at Region 13. He has been with Region 13 since November 2000. As a behavior specialist for over 40 years, Albert has worked with students experiencing a variety of behavior disorders.He has an extensive background in mental health, positive behavior interventions and supports, restorative practices, school climate change, and leadership development.

Allison Yedinak

TIA Assessment Specialist, Region 13 Education Service Center

Ami Courville

Coordinator of Leadership and Instructional Foundations for Texas

Ami Courville is the Coordinator of Leadership and Instructional Foundations for Texas at ESC Region 13. Ami is an educational leader committed to strengthening teaching and learning through collaboration, innovation, and service. She supports educators and school systems in implementing high-quality instructional materials, evidence-based practices, and sustainable systems that improve outcomes for every student. Ami leads with purpose, partnership, and impact.

Amy Chandler

Amy Chandler is an Assessment Specialist at ESC Region 13 with over 18 years of educational experience. Her professional background includes a variety of leadership roles, including Testing Coordinator, GT Specialist, and Instructional Coach, bringing deep expertise in assessment, instructional practices, and program implementation.

Amy Reilly

Ana Segulin

Andrea Jaramillo

Dixie Binford

Statewide ESSA Educator Talent and Data Systems Coordinator, Region 13 Education Service Center

Dr. Eric Wright

Superintendent, Hays CISD

Dr. Eric Wright is a veteran educator with nearly 40 years of experience in Texas public education. Since 2018, he has served as Superintendent of Hays CISD, where he has led the district through rapid growth, managed over $1.5 billion in voter-approved bond projects, improved academic performance, and pioneered comprehensive student safety initiatives. Throughout his career, Dr. Wright has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant superintendent, leading three Texas school districts as superintendent prior to Hays CISD. Dr. Wright holds four degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University, including a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

George Gogonas

Gina Sanders

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, McDade ISD

Gina Sanders is in her first year as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at McDade ISD. She brings 34 years of educational experience in private and public schools. She has taught elementary, middle, and high school levels. She also has served as a district (K-12) and high school principal.

Heidi Britain

Coordinator, Instructional Coaching Programs and Services, Region 13 Education Service Center

Heidi Brittain is the Coordinator of Instructional Coaching Programs and Services (ICPS) at Region 13. She has over 35 years of educational experience, including 11 years as an IC. Heidi loves learning about the brain in order to positively impact student learning in the math classroom.

Jennifer Hranitsky

Administrative Specialist, Region 13 Education Service Center

An Administrative Specialist with ESC13, she provides technical assistance to ESSA Federal Program leads. Additionally, she supports the area of State Compensatory Education mandates associated with the TEC. She strives to help school systems establish internal controls so that they might accomplish continuous improvement for the benefit of students.

Joe Green

Katrina Bailey

Chief of Learning and Leadership, Del Valle ISD

Dr. Katrina Bailey serves as Chief of Learning and Leadership for Del Valle ISD, leading districtwide efforts in academics, leadership development, accountability, and school improvement. With over 20 years in education, she is passionate about building systems that improve student outcomes through effective leadership, instructional excellence, and organizational coherence.

Lana Cecil

Laura Carlin-Gonzalez

Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Round Rock ISD

Dr. Laura Carlin-Gonzalez is the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for Round Rock ISD. With over 20 years in Central Texas public education, her leadership roles have included assistant superintendent, director, principal, and curriculum coordinator. She holds a doctorate from UT Austin and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Texas State University

Mary Allen Smith

Melinda Marquez

Director of Accountability, Assessment, and Leadership Systems, Region 13 Education Service Center

Melinda Marquez serves as the Director of Accountability, Assessment, and Leadership Systems at ESC Region 13. With more than 29 years in Texas public education, she provides leadership and support in accountability, assessment, and school improvement. She partners with district and campus leaders to interpret accountability data, navigate state and federal requirements, and use data-driven practices to improve student outcomes.

Nanette Deaton

Olivia Odileke

Rachel Jones

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Burnet CISD

Dr. Rachel Jones has shaped systems across multiple districts with over two decades of service to public school communities. She currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of C&I in Burnet CISD. Rachel is a joyful servant leader committed to creating opportunities for others and building capacity to sustain change.

Retta Ary

Rick Kutcher

Ryan Smith

Scott Moore, CPA, MBA

Payroll and Business Services Coordinator, Region 13 Education Service Center

Scott serves as Payroll and Business Services Coordinator at Region 13, facilitating the School Finance and Payroll Cooperatives. He previously spent 18 years in various finance roles with Austin ISD, and is a graduate of Texas A&M University.

Steve Ventura

President/Founder, Advanced Collaborative Solutions

Steve Ventura is founder and president of Advanced Collaborative Solutions and a nationally recognized author, speaker, and education leader. A former teacher and superintendent, Steve helps schools strengthen instruction, collaboration, and leadership. His ASCD books include Achievement Teams and Improving Instruction Together, reflecting his commitment to practical, research-based strategies that improve student outcomes.

• A high-quality keepsake notebook and pen for every attendee, taken home.
• Includes postcard/business card option included in the notebook.
• **BONUS** Dedicated “Sponsor Spotlight” feature on conference social channels, highlighting your organization's contribution.

• Fuel the most important meal of the day.
• Dedicated, exclusive signage at all breakfast stations.

• Keep attendees caffeinated and refreshed.
• Highly visible signage at all coffee/beverage stations.

• Keep attendees recharged and hydrated with bottled water, chips, and a cookie.
• Includes a business card/logo sticker option attached to the snack bag.

• Worn by every attendee, presenter, and conference staff.
• Exclusive logo placement on all official attendee, speaker, and conference staff name badges.

• Full-page (approx. 8 x 10), full-color page in our CAO Solutions Guide to share a case study, resources, or organizational profile, including prominent logo and contact information.

• Half-page $125 (approx. 4 x 7.75), full-color page in our CAO Solutions Guide to share case study, resource, or organizational profile, including prominent logo and contact information.