By Lisa Kopochinski
What are your responsibilities as CETPA’s Executive Director?
My responsibilities are to ensure that the organization’s goals, mission and vision are accomplished. This includes coordinating and managing all events including the Annual Conference, CTO Clinic, as well as our participation at other events. I also manage CETPA’s Corporate Affiliate Program and assist with the CAMSA program and strategic partnerships. One of my biggest and ongoing responsibilities is to manage the CTO Mentor Program.
How long have you been in the computer industry?
Well, like others, I don’t think I am in the computer industry, but I have been working in education and not-for-profit environments for 26 years.
What drew you to the industry and what do you like most about it?
I became an intern at Pomona Unified in the late 1980s. After graduation, I was hired by an SIS company, then went to the East Side Union High School District and Oakland Unified before being hired by CETPA. The best part of this industry is watching the intense, never-failing dedication of the people supporting our schools. If the public could see what I see, they would demand that education be funded properly!
When did you join CETPA and why?
I started as an affiliate member in the early 1990s, attending the exhibit show at the conference. When I got to East Side, the director there knew the value of CETPA and required his managers to go to the conference. After attending, I could also see the value in being part of a professional membership organization and have been an active member ever since.
What past roles have you held within CETPA?
After being an affiliate member and then an educational member, I was elected to the CETPA Board of Directors and became a Director at Large. I chaired both the Speaker and Exhibit Show roles before resigning from the board to take on the Executive Director role.
Where does CETPA need to grow?
Being the one responsible for growth, I’d like to think we are growing at just the right pace and in the right areas. We want to continue to offer valuable benefits to our members and keep the community strong with professional development and strategic partnerships.
What is the greatest challenge facing the industry and how can it be overcome?
I know most people might say budget, and that is a big one, but I believe learning to manage all of the information constantly flowing through the technology departments in schools is essential to success. Technologists are expected to know about so much more than just “technology” these days and it is difficult to manage. That’s why CETPA membership is so important. Connecting to your colleagues to help get relevant information quickly and reliably is what makes the organization so valuable.
What do you like to do in your limited spare time?
I know it may sound corny, but spending time with my husband of 23 years is still my favorite past time. For alone time, I take long walks and read.
About the Author
Lisa Kopochinski has been the editor of DataBus magazine for more than 10 years. She works closely with Steve Thornton, CETPA’s managing editor and President-Elect. She can be reached at 916-481-0265 or at lisakop@sbcglobal.net.
DataBus Online 