2026 Board Election Candidates
Meet the Board Candidates
CITE is pleased to announce Candidates for the 2026 CITE Board of Directors. We appreciate their willingness to support the strategic vision for the organization.
Eligible CITE Members will receive a personal link to the online ballot from invitations@mail.electionbuddy.com.
Each CITE member can vote for three candidates and voting will close on September 2, 2026.
Watch the Meet the Candidates Webinar recording here.
Should you have questions about the process or have not received your ballot via email, please reach out to election@cite.org
Glenn Alegre
Chief Technology Officer, Fontana Unified School District
Throughout my 30+ years in public education, I have always believed that technology should serve students, support educators, and create opportunities for all learners. As a teacher, administrator, and now Chief Technology Officer for Fontana Unified School District, I have worked to ensure that technology is not just implemented, but leveraged in meaningful ways to improve teaching, learning, and operational effectiveness.
CITE has played an important role in my professional journey. When I transitioned into educational technology leadership, the CITE CTO Mentor Program (Cohort 14!!!) provided the guidance, support, and professional network that helped me grow into a confident and effective leader. The relationships and learning opportunities I gained through CITE reinforced the value of collaboration and the importance of investing in others.
I am seeking a position on the CITE Board because I want to give back to the organization that has given so much to me and to so many educational leaders across California. I bring the perspective of both an educator and a technology leader, with experience leading initiatives in digital learning, data systems, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. Most importantly, I bring a commitment to service, collaboration, and helping others succeed.
I would be honored to serve the CITE community and help advance its mission of shaping the future of education through technology.
Manuel Carrera
Senior Director - Information Technology, Carmel Unified School District
CITE changed the trajectory of my career, and I am running for the Board because I am ready to contribute to the organization that has been pivotal to my development as a K12 technology leader.
I began my career in public education as a Library Media Technician and worked my way through technology support, programming, database administration, and student data before becoming Senior Director of Information Technology for Carmel Unified School District. Along the way, CITE gave me a roadmap for leadership and a clearer understanding of how technology can support the success of educating students in a school district.
The Chief Technology Officer Mentorship Program (CTOM) was especially influential in that growth. The program helped me become a more effective organizational leader. It strengthened my voice in districtwide decisions and reinforced my responsibility to develop the people around me.
I currently serve as Co-Chair of the CITE Central Coast Regional Group and actively invest in CITE programs for members of my team. I encourage them to participate in professional networks, complete CITE education programs, and share their own expertise at the Annual Conference.
As a Board member, I would work to keep CITE’s educational offerings affordable and accessible to technology professionals throughout California, expand practical support for smaller LEAs, and help ensure that CITE remains a trusted voice on the issues shaping K12 technology. I would bring executive leadership, technical experience, and a strong sense of responsibility to the role.
Thank you for your consideration.
Benjamin Esquivel
Director of Technology, Imperial Unified School District
My name is Benjamin Esquivel, Director of Technology for Imperial Unified School District, and I am seeking a seat on the CITE Board of Directors to continue our collective mission of shaping the future of education through technology. Over the last four years, I have served as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Imperial Valley Regional Group, advocating for the unique needs of our Southern California districts and LEAs.
I deeply value CITE's role in developing technical leaders, and I am committed to doing my part to lead and develop our community. As part of this commitment, I am honored to be an upcoming facilitator for the KITT Program and the Cybersecurity 101 Academy. I have presented at past CITE conferences, such as my session on automating business workflows using Power Automate, and I will be presenting again at the upcoming CITE conference on cybersecurity. Furthermore, as a member of the California Cybersecurity Task Force Risk Management Subcommittee, I am deeply invested in our state's cyber posture and regulatory frameworks.
CITE operates at the intersection of technology and learning. I am running for the Board to help bridge the gap between educational technology and instructional success. With an MBA in IT Management, a CISSP, and as a proud graduate of the CTO Mentor Program (Cohort 16), I am ready to provide strategic governance to the community that empowered me. I would be honored to bring my collaborative leadership to the Board, represent our community, and I humbly ask for your vote.
Chris Higle
Chief Technology Officer, Ceres Unified School District
My name is Chris Higle, and I serve as the Chief Technology Officer for Ceres Unified School District. Over the past 24 years in education, I've had the privilege of leading initiatives that advance digital learning, strengthen operations, and improve service while always keeping students and educators at the center of every decision.
I believe the best solutions come from collaboration, strong relationships, and a willingness to learn from one another. Through my involvement with CITE as a longtime member, conference presenter, CTOM mentor, and CITECVN regional leadership, I have experienced firsthand the value of technology leaders sharing ideas, working through challenges together, and supporting one another in in an ever-changing technology landscape.
I am running for the CITE Board because I want to give back to an organization that has played an important role in my professional growth. I would bring practical K–12 leadership experience, a collaborative approach, and an understanding of how technology connects with instruction, operations, and the people we serve. I also hope to provide a strong voice for the Central Valley and the diverse districts and communities across our region.
I would be honored to help CITE continue developing technology leaders, strengthening our profession, and shaping the future of education for students throughout California. Thank you for your consideration.
Pui Ma
Director of Technology Services, Rowland Unified School District
Throughout my career, I have believed that technology leadership is about more than technology. It is about serving people, strengthening organizations, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. As the Director of Technology Services, I have led initiatives in cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, governance, strategic planning, and technology systems that support teaching, learning, and district operations.
I am seeking a position on the CITE Board of Directors because I believe in CITE's mission to develop educational technology leaders and shape the future of education through technology. I value collaboration, thoughtful governance, and lifelong learning, and I hope to contribute my experience while learning from the diverse perspectives of fellow board members and CITE members across California.
One of my passions is investing in people. Throughout my career, I have been committed to mentoring future technology leaders and encouraging others to pursue leadership opportunities in educational technology. I believe our profession is strongest when we create pathways for individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to grow and succeed.
If elected, I will bring a collaborative leadership style, a commitment to sound governance, and a focus on ensuring that CITE continues to provide meaningful value to its members while supporting innovation that ultimately benefits students, educators, and school communities.
Scott Thomsen
Chief Technology & Operations Officer, Davis Joint Unified School District
My name is Scott Thomsen, and I’m seeking a seat on the CITE Board because I have benefited so much from this organization.
When I became Director of Technology, I was an instructional leader stepping into a world I barely understood. What I found at my first CITE conference wasn't just information; it was people willing to be real, set their titles aside, and actually help each other. That culture is rare in education. I want to protect and nurture this unique community because it makes members feel appreciated and connected.
My career spans nearly three decades in California public schools, from the classroom to principalship to my current role as Chief Technology and Operations Officer. I earned my CTO Certification through the CTO Mentor program and am now a Mentor for that program. I currently serve on CITE’s Technical Review Team and am completing a Master's with an emphasis on K-12 AI policy. These experiences would allow me to bring practical district leadership and a broad perspective to the Board.
The pressures on our districts right now are real: shrinking budgets, fast-moving AI, screen time debates, mobile device policies, and uncertain legislative landscapes. These challenges, however, are not insurmountable. Together, through CITE, we can rise to meet them head-on.
My leadership is grounded in integrity, service, and trust. I intend to bring these elements to every aspect of CITE board responsibilities. It would be an honor to serve this incredibly supportive community that has given so much to me.
The Board Election will run from August 3rd to September 2nd. All Educational and Retired members are eligible to vote. All eligible voters should have received a ballot link directly emailed to them. If you did not receive a ballot link, please contact election@cite.org.