Big Ideas Fest Speakers

Karen Cator

Karen Cator

Karen Cator is the Director of the Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education. Prior to joining the department, Karen directed Apple’s leadership and advocacy efforts in education. Coming from a background in the public education sector, leading technology planning and implementation, Karen also served as Special Assistant for Telecommunications for the Lieutenant Governor of Alaska. Karen holds a Masters in school administration from the University of Oregon and Bachelors in early childhood education from Springfield College. She is the past chair of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills and has served on the several boards including the Software & Information Industry Association—Education.