VSTE Welcomes New Staff

The Board of Directors of the Virginia Society for Technology in Education is pleased to announce the selection of two new staff members. Rod Carnill has been appointed as Executive Director. Ashley Clarke will be serving as Assistant to the Director. 

Rod Carnill recently retired from Frederick County Public Schools where he served as the supervisor of instructional technology coaches. He recently served for two years (2018-2020) as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE). He was also an adjunct professor for Shenandoah University teaching Educational Technology Applications and Online Learning courses for pre-service and K-12 teachers. He now supports the SU Children’s Literature Conference as a technical advisor and webinar administrator. With over thirty years experience as an educator focused on literacy and the effective use of technology, Rod still finds it rewarding to help others make great things happen for learners. He is now focusing his efforts supporting professional learning, teacher and student advocacy and educational project management. 

Ashley Clarke serves as Executive Assistant to the Dean Of Faculty/Superintendent for Academics at Virginia Military Institute. Ashley has worked with faculty and students in K-12 supporting educational technology at Jackson River Technical Center and Alleghany High School where she assisted faculty, staff, and students with their technology needs. While at AHS, she aided with the implementation of New Tech in the classrooms through the use of Chromebooks and educational apps. Ashley has worn a variety of other hats in her career including senior sponsor, head varsity cheer coach, co-teacher, SPED teacher assistant, administrative assistant, Freshman Transition Team member, computer lab manager, 1:1 Initiative Team member, and Project Based Learning Manager. Ashley’s true passion is helping students of all ages be successful whether in a general education or trade/CTE classroom setting. She loves seeing students reach their full potential.

“VSTE has been a dynamic part of the educational landscape of Virginia since its inception.  It has grown through the hard work and expertise of its leadership. The Board of Directors is excited for this new chapter of the organization and is eager to begin working with Rod and Ashley as we move into this new season.  We honor our history but happily look to the future as we poise the organization for growth and change to better serve our membership and the students of the Commonwealth,” said Heather Askea, VSTE’s Board Chair. 

Rod and Ashley will begin their tenure on July 1, 2022, upon the retirement of the current Executive Director, Dr. Karen Richardson.