The Exemplary Service and Innovation for Technological Advancement Award honors an individual or agency that has made significant contributions to technological innovation and support for local districts and educational service agencies (ESAs). This award recognizes those who have demonstrated visionary leadership in using technology to enhance education and improve organizational effectiveness.
Criteria for the Award
- Advancement of the goals and philosophies of educational service agencies.
- Demonstrated innovative technology support to constituent schools in instruction or business management, resulting in positive improvements.
- Evidence of the effective use of technology to enhance agency operations and accountability.
2026 Recipients
Jenna Cooper, Central Indiana ESC, and Darlene Kennedy, Northern Indiana ESC (IN)
Jenna Cooper and Darlene Kennedy are recognized for their collaborative leadership in creating the Student Data Privacy Consortium–Indiana Alliance. The initiative brought all nine Indiana educational service centers together to simplify and standardize student data privacy agreements while helping schools reduce administrative burdens and strengthen student data protections.
This award is presented in honor of Dr. Brian L. Talbott, who served as AESA Executive Director for fourteen years. Dr. Talbott spearheaded several strategic initiatives, including the Executives in Residence and AESA Business Partnership programs, and played a pivotal role in the development of the E-Rate program through his leadership as Chair of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Directors. Under his guidance, AESA became a leader in technology, shaping the future of educational service agencies nationwide.