Indiana has a wealth of tech talent and these playmakers are having a big impact as they build the technology and tech companies that are driving economic growth in the Hoosier state. Join us in celebrating the Tech 25 class of 2022 through this profile series and learn a bit more about each winner.

Lisa Cutshall is an educational technology leader with a passion for student learning using innovative digital tools, blended learning models, and data systems. Currently the Vice President of Professional Development for Five Star Technology Solutions, she works closely with school teams and other company partners, like Google for Education, to provide strategic planning and professional development for school districts. Her goal is to help leaders achieve their vision and to help kids dream bigger. 

With over 15 years in public education as a middle school science teacher, technology coach, and Director of eLearning, Lisa is an advocate for student opportunities with technology and computer science. She loves to travel, renovate historic homes, and laugh with family.

What led you to the tech industry and this occupation? What was your first job in tech?

A love for technology and all the possibilities that it presents has been a part of me since my father brought home an IBM 5155 back in the 80s when I was still in middle school. My career path has been varied but in every position, technology is what helped me move faster and do more. 

As an educator, I helped our school district write a grant for increased technology in our classrooms along with a dedicated technology integration coach to make sure the purchases made a positive difference in student learning. I was selected to fill the coach role, and that may be the first job title that had “technology” as a primary responsibility.

When you think of a day in your life, what are the main work activities you do or responsibilities you have?

I connect, collaborate, and coach on a daily basis. Leading a team of amazing educational technology specialists, I am blessed with the capacity to explore research and best practices while taking on the responsibility for connecting those findings between organizations, products, and partners. Collaborating with my team and the school/organizational leaders we work with to build future growth opportunities is energizing. As a company leader, coaching and modeling for others has enabled us to build strong teams that can remain nimble and responsive to the needs of the schools we serve.

Which resources would you recommend to those who want to learn more or advance their skills?

Ah, there are so many incredible voices in this field! Some of my favorite authors include: Augilar (coaching), Sinek (vision), Pink/Buckingham/Heath (people), and Hattie (learning). Social media and blogs are prolific so I recommend a curated resource like the Five Star Learning Lab to pull out the best of the best from the world of ed tech and apply it in a practical way for instructional design. Organizations like ISTE, CSTA, SETDA, CoSN, and Learning Forward keep me current on trends and policies.

Lisa is a Tech 25 winner who is helping to grow and improve the tech landscape of Indiana. She was nominated by her President, Jason Roseberry of Five Star Technology Solutions. 

Visit the Indianapolis Business Journal website to see the full listing and celebration of the 2022 Tech 25 honorees in the joint Tech Exec of the Year and Tech 25 Awards supplement. 

You can also read the TechPoint Index official Tech 25 Class of 2022 Winners Story and explore, tag and share photos from the awards in the Facebook Gallery.