The new year is bringing new horizons for two long-time leaders in career-technical education.
On Jan. 1, Diane Xander will become the new superintendent of Polaris Career Center, bringing 17 years of career-technical experience to her new role.
On Jan. 31, Superintendent/ CEO Joyce L. Malainy, Ed.D., will retire after 15 years of service at C-TEC in Licking County.
Xander, a dedicated leader with a lifelong commitment to public education, has built an impressive career rooted in the classroom, and reaching into leadership and administrative roles. She has been at Polaris since 2014 and most recently served as Executive Director of Innovation and Career Development, a position she has held since 2022.
Dr. Malainy is the longest-serving superintendent in C-TEC’s 50-year history and has significantly advanced career and technical education in Licking County and across Ohio. During her tenure, student enrollment grew by more than 50 percent, C-TEC programs expanded to include 15 new satellite offerings and multiple secondary and post-secondary workforce development initiatives aligned with regional economic demands.
Read more about these accomplished leaders: