#United States #Columbus #Ohio education #Geoffrey Andrews #Management Council

Leadership Transition at the Management Council

On November 18, 2025, the Management Council of the Ohio Education Computer Network revealed that its CEO, Geoffrey Andrews, will retire at the conclusion of the fiscal year on June 30, 2026. With a tenure spanning more than a decade, Andrews has been pivotal in guiding the Council in coordinating the state's educational technology systems to support Ohio's K-12 institutions.

During his time, the Council has grown significantly. Initially comprised of only a handful of employees, the team has expanded to nearly one hundred dedicated professionals. The Management Council’s role has evolved beyond merely serving the immediate needs of the K-12 education sector; it has broadened its scope to encompass various services, including student information management, fiscal software solutions, and comprehensive cybersecurity training.

The Council's mission has been to provide robust support to Information Technology Centers (ITCs) throughout Ohio. This includes facilitating services not just for K-12 schools, but also extending its influence to higher education, job services, and governmental agencies. Collaborations with prominent organizations like Batelle for Kids and Ohio State University exemplify the Council’s commitment to improving educational outcomes across the state.

Reflecting on his legacy, Andrews commended the dedication of his team, expressing pride in their responsiveness to challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their swift adoption of over 60,000 Zoom licenses exemplified the Council's agility in navigating unprecedented situations, ensuring that students remained connected even in times of crisis.

Andrews highlighted the Council’s efforts to enhance internet connectivity for schools across Ohio, significantly increasing bandwidth from 10GB to 200GB at no additional cost to Schools. The team's work in maintaining vital student information systems, fiscal processing, and internet services has laid a robust foundation that many educators depend on today.

The partnerships forged with various state agencies and technology providers have further allowed the Management Council to offer more sophisticated resources at reduced or free costs. For instance, through collaborations with the Governor's Office, the Council secured funding for top-rated cybersecurity training for schools, critical in this age of increasing cyber threats.

As Andrews steps down, the Management Council's Board of Directors, led by Chair Tyler Smith, is set to initiate the search for the next CEO in early 2026. Smith noted that while the incoming leader will have substantial responsibilities, the organization is well-prepared, emphasizing its strong financial standing and innovative spirit.

Ohio’s ITCs, functioning through a statewide cooperative known as the Ohio Education Computer Network (OECN), benefit immensely from the Management Council's efforts. The coordinated technology initiatives have the potential to transform educational experiences for all students across the state.

In conclusion, as the Management Council prepares for this transition, it reflects on the monumental achievements under Andrews’s leadership, which has set a high bar for educational technology within the state. The Council’s ongoing commitment to enhancing education ensures that its next chapter promises continued growth and innovation for Ohio’s educational landscape.