CTE for ALL Executive Officers Engage in Strategic Leadership at OkACTE Conference in Durant, OK

By Tiffany McCollum

Written, Edited, Photographer & Published

The CTE for ALL Executive Officers recently gathered in Durant, Oklahoma, to participate in the annual OkACTE Leadership Conference—an essential event that brings division leaders together from across the state to strengthen CareerTech’s & OkACTE mission through leadership development, organizational planning, and collaboration.

State Director Brent Haken and Executive Director Skye McNiel led an engaging and informative discussion on OkACTE Leadership, providing important updates on key initiatives impacting CareerTech across Oklahoma. Their presentation covered the latest developments in apprenticeship programs, upcoming changes to graduation requirements, and legislative updates relevant to educators and workforce partners. Both leaders emphasized the need for proactive engagement and collaboration as the CareerTech system continues to evolve to meet the needs of students, industry, and communities statewide.

Throughout the conference, officers engaged in a series of sessions designed to support their roles, deepen their impact, and prepare them for a productive year ahead. Topics ranged from understanding and enhancing membership value to the broader responsibilities and expectations that come with holding office. Officers also explored division organization and structure, ensuring alignment with both state and division goals.

Director Haken addressed division leaders with an insightful presentation on Parliamentary Procedure, emphasizing its importance in maintaining structure, fairness, and efficiency during meetings. He guided officers through key principles and best practices, reinforcing how proper procedures not only support orderly decision-making but also ensure that every member’s voice is heard and respected. By strengthening their understanding of these formal processes, leaders are better equipped to lead with confidence, uphold transparency, and foster productive, inclusive discussions within their divisions.

A highlight of the event was the Year in Review, which offered a reflective look at division achievements, challenges, and opportunities. This session served as a foundation for the strategic planning discussions that followed, where officers began mapping out goals and initiatives for the upcoming year.

Leadership sessions focused on building practical skills, including how to take effective meeting minutes—a critical yet often overlooked aspect of organizational transparency and continuity. These sessions emphasized both structure and strategy, preparing officers to lead with intention and clarity.

One of the most impactful moments on Day 2 of conference came from guest speaker Andre Daughty, who delivered a compelling presentation titled “It Starts with Culture.” Daughty challenged attendees to examine the human element of leadership, emphasizing that a strong, inclusive culture is the foundation for success, particularly in organizations rooted in service and education. His message resonated deeply, setting the tone for the kind of leadership the division strives to embody: building meaningful connections, fostering relationships, and recognizing the unique potential within every student. He reminded us that it only takes one instructor to believe in a student, one person to encourage them, and that belief can be the catalyst that changes a student’s life.

Mr. Daughty returned for Day 3 with the OkACTE Officers, delivering powerful insight on the importance of: Community, Cultivating the Culture, & Leadership.

His message centered around connecting the old with the new, encouraging all of us to embrace change and stay open to fresh ideas and creativity.

“If you don’t teach to this generation, if you don’t adapt to this generation… this generation will still learn, but not because of you.”

Mr. Daughty reminded us that relevance is a choice. In a rapidly evolving world, educators and leaders must be willing to check themselves and adapt, or risk being left behind.

“Check yourself before you wreck yourself.”

A powerful message to keep growing, learning, and leading with purpose.

As the CTE for ALL Executive Officers left Durant, they carried with them not just plans on paper, but a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to leading CTE for ALL division with excellence in the year ahead.

For division members, your officers are hard at work ensuring that your voice is heard and that the work ahead reflects the values and needs of our student and instructors. We look forward to a strong and unified year in CTE for ALL.