Who We Are

Maggie Hess has spent 30 years working with students, parents, and business and industry in the field of career-technical education. She spent 14 years as the superintendent for the Warren County Center in Lebanon, Ohio.

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As the executive director for the Ohio Association of Career-Technical Superintendents (OACTS), Hess has the opportunity to continue to expand awareness and increase understanding of the value of career-technical education in Ohio, especially of the career centers that serve school districts around the state. Her educational background includes a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree in education from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Ga. She has also completed post-graduate work at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, earning a graduate certificate in the superintendency.

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Hess has connections with many educational and civic organizations at the local, state and national level, giving back to the community including The Rotary Club of Lebanon, United Way of Warren County and the Warren County Foundation.

 

Contact Hess about OACTS and career-technical education at mhess@oacts.com.

Rick Smith is the superintendent of Ohio Hi-Point Career Center. 

 

Smith has spent 27 years in working in public education in Ohio. He began his career in education in the United States Air Force, where in his first 8 ½ years of service earned his first two degrees -- the first was in Aircraft Power Plant Technology from the Community College of the Air Force and the second, a bachelor's in Education from Charleston Southern University.

 

After Dr. Smith’s service in the military, his first teaching and coaching experience was with Mansfield City Schools, Ohio. While in Mansfield, he earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Ashland University, and graduated in 2012 with a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Ashland University.

 

Rick has worked in Mansfield City Schools, Ashland City Schools, North Union Local Schools and Ohio Hi-Point Career Center. He taught for four years, elementary administrator for six years and served the last 17 years as a superintendent. He has been an adjunct professor, loves coaching and enjoys spending time with his wife of 34 years and his 3 children.

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