Project Lead The Way’s (PLTW) Board of Directors recently appointed three nationally recognized education leaders to its newly established Advisory Committee. Sean Covey, Julie Lammers, and Tom Vander Ark will join committee chair Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO, and PLTW board member Zuheir Shahwan to address current educational challenges and shape the future of STEM education and career-connected learning.

These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience and will play a key role in providing expert insight and thought leadership, while supporting the Board and advancing PLTW’s strategic initiatives. Their contributions will be instrumental in expanding the organization's impact and reach to millions of students nationwide.

Sean Covey, President, FranklinCovey Education

Sean Covey is a business executive, author, and speaker dedicated to transforming education through principle-centered leadership. As President of FranklinCovey Education, he oversees the "Leader in Me" program, implemented in over 7,000 schools across 70 countries. Covey is a New York Times best-selling author and a graduate of BYU and the Harvard Business School. Sean brings unique leadership and understands how to scale educational innovation globally, while maintaining quality and impact.

Julie Lammers, President and CEO, American Student Assistance

Julie Lammers serves as the President and CEO at American Student Assistance (ASA). Lammers brings more than 15 years of leadership experience to ASA, where she has overseen advocacy, corporate social responsibility, philanthropy, policy, research, marketing, and communications efforts. Prior to her appointment as President and CEO, she served as Executive Vice President, helping to shape ASA's strategic direction and expanding its reach to millions of young people. She spent over nine years as a Congressional Aide to U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy and his successor, Senator Paul Kirk Jr., focusing on national education policy. Julie graduated from Northeastern University, Suffolk University Law School and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar. Julie’s career connects education policy with classroom practice.

Tom Vander Ark, CEO, Getting Smart

Tom Vander Ark is an advocate for innovations in learning and serves as CEO of Getting Smart, advising school systems, foundations, and learning organizations. A prolific writer and speaker, Vander Ark has authored several books on learning innovation. He previously served as the first Executive Director of Education for the Gates Foundation and has experience as a public school superintendent in Washington State. Tom’s expertise will provide strategic insight to drive PLTW forward as a leader in transformative STEM and career learning.

"These appointments reflect our commitment to assembling expertise across education transformation, policy development, innovation strategy, and operational excellence," said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "This advisory committee will play a vital role in guiding PLTW through today’s educational landscape, while strategically positioning us to lead the advancement of STEM and career-connected learning for the future.”

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About PLTW

For nearly 30 years, Project Lead The Way (PLTW) has prepared PreK–12 students for careers, college, and life by equipping them with the STEM knowledge, credential preparation, transferable skills, and confidence to succeed. Our hands-on, real-world learning, deep industry partnerships and clear, scaffolded curriculum guide students from early career curiosity to postsecondary readiness. With strong professional development taught by a national network of more than 116,000 trained teachers in 12,200+ schools across all 50 states, PLTW enables schools to design scalable, future-focused programs that inspire students, empower educators, and connect learning to life after graduation. Visit pltw.org to learn more.

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"This advisory committee will play a vital role in guiding PLTW through today’s educational landscape, while strategically positioning us to lead the advancement of STEM and career-connected learning for the future."