Exceptional directors or administrators who consistently exceed expectations in their roles are eligible for this award. These leaders effectively connect with learners, support staff, and enhance their programs, creating positive learning environments. This year’s award winner is…Whitney Dettmer.
Whitney goes above and beyond to think of new ways to help students, like finding ways to secure more laptops and hotspots for them, figuring out CLEP testing so they can get college credit, working on IET programs and building programming in the jails so that students will be able to find jobs to support themselves and their families. She also has done amazing things creating an ESL program in Oscoda and creating a supportive and fulfilling work environment. She has done so much for MACAE, which everyone knows because you see her in action here!
From her staff: Whitney Dettmer's exceptional leadership has transformed adult education across Northeast Michigan and beyond. Taking on a fledgling program in 2019, Whitney has steadily grown the Iosco RESA Adult Education program to what it is today. Under her leadership, it has seen 56% growth in participants served, creation and expansion of jail education, IET, and apprenticeship programs, all while increasing capacity by adding staff, partnerships, and service locations, across an 8 county rural program, spanning 4,795 square miles, and I guarantee you she drives it, because every time I try to get on a call with her, she's in her car. On top of all that, Whitney goes above and beyond, volunteering for MACAE and supporting so many other organizations: MCAN, MiTESOL, COABE, Northeast Michigan Community Corrections, Iosco Substance Free Coalition, just to name a few. Ultimately, Whitney has exemplified compassion and dedication for not only the cause, but her staff. She has been unfailingly supportive, and nurtures the potential she sees in us until it manifests into success for us individually, the team, the students, and our mission. She inspires us every day to be ourselves- to learn, to grow, and to be kind. We are lucky to be in the hands of such loving, capable leadership. We hope she cherishes this moment and this award the way we cherish her.
