Press Release
For Immediate Release
June 9, 2011
NMSA Announces Dr. William Waidelich as Next Executive Director
(Westerville, OH) - NMSA/The Association for Middle Level Education is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. William Waidelich as its next Executive Director. Since 2006, Dr. Waidelich has held posts as Senior Director of Educational Programs and Senior Director of Research, Development, and Sponsored Programs at the National FFA Organization, an educational organization with a membership of more than 500,000 students (ages 12–21) across more than 7,500 schools. He comes to NMSA with 29 years of educational experience, including 6 years as a former Ohio high school teacher, 2 years as Virginia Department of Education FFA organization specialist in the Adolescent Education Division, 14 years at The Ohio State University as Director of Curriculum Material Services and adjunct assistant professor for 11 of those years, 1 year as educational consultant, and 1 year as university researcher. While he taught school, he served as the education association's president and, later, as a parent, was a school board member and legislative liaison to the state legislature. Whether in Indiana, Ohio, or Virginia, Dr. Waidelich has been an active advocate for educational development activities for schoolchildren and professional development for teachers.
Dr. Waidelich is excited to return from Indianapolis, where the National FFA Organization headquarters are located, to his Ohio roots where he completed his early education. He holds master's and bachelor's degrees from The Ohio State University and a Doctor of Education degree from Virginia Tech. A lifelong learner, he is currently completing the requirements for certification from the American Society of Association Executives.
Over his career, Dr. Waidelich has repeatedly demonstrated effective leadership. One of Dr. Waidelich's colleagues, when asked about his administrative style, summarized, "Will listens first, is a deep thinker and a visionary who leads with quiet strength." Additionally, his portfolio reflects strengths in these areas:
- Staff development
- Business and financial management of 501(c)(3) organizations
- Association board development
- Partnership experience with schools, industry, and governmental organizations
- Grant and proposal writing
- Curriculum design and technology integration
- Communications and marketing
- Educational research
- Program planning, review, and evaluation
- Professional group facilitation
Described as an innovative and collaborative educational administrator by peers and supervisors, Dr. Waidelich is also an internationally recognized leader, teacher, and program developer. While teaching, he was one of 20 teachers selected nationally to the Christa McAuliffe Institute for Educational Pioneering, which included attending a three-week institute on instructional technologies at Stanford University. Since then, he has been conferred the Ohio Agricultural Educators' Person of the Year Award (twice) and also was twice bestowed the Award of Achievement by the Ohio School Boards Association. Over the last 11 years he has given more than 70 national, state, and local presentations; earned $3.5 million in grant funding; conducted 11 research studies; served on more than 75 professional committees; and published 8 journal/magazine articles and newsletters.
A self-described family man, Dr. Waidelich somehow finds time to balance family with being an association executive, small business owner, small farm owner, and member of numerous associations and fraternal organizations.
The Board of Trustees and staff are delighted to welcome Dr. Waidelich as Executive Director when he officially assumes his new position of leadership at NMSA/The Association for Middle Level Education on July 11, 2011.
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Contact:
April Tibbles
Chief Communications Officer
National Middle School Association
800-528-NMSA, atibbles@nmsa.org
www.nmsa.org
About National Middle School Association / The Association for Middle Level Education- www.nmsa.org
National Middle School Association/The Association for Middle Level Education is the premier association for middle level education. With more than 25,000 members who are principals, teachers, central office personnel, professors, college students, parents, community leaders, and educational consultants around the globe, NMSA welcomes and provides support to anyone interested in the health and education of young adolescents. NMSA offers information, resources, and professional development to middle grades educators working to develop more effective schools that focus on the success of every student. NMSA, 4151 Executive Parkway, Suite 300, Westerville, OH 43081, 800-528-6672