MEET OUR TEAM

Board and Staff

The MACUL board is comprised of volunteer members. Our executive board includes the president, president elect, secretary, treasurer, and past president. There are currently two staff members that work in the MACUL Office and an Executive Director Emeritus.

Executive Board Members

An avid reader, if Marnie isn't teaching or tech-ing, she's usually found with her nose in a book. The few times her TV is on, it's showing the classics - Gilmore Girls, Friends, The Office, Schitt's Creek, or House. Sneaking formating issues past Marnie is a near impossibility. Oh, and she is on a perpetual quest for the ever-elusive time-turner.

Marnie Diem

President
Hillel Day School
Term: 2025-2027
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Marnie is serving back-to-back President terms as the elected President was unable to complete her term.

Dan’s reached that glorious middle age where his bones seem to have a vendetta against him. When he is not navigating the treacherous landscape of his own musculoskeletal system, he somehow manages to direct curriculum and wrangle grant money. In his spare time he enjoys hockey and golf. Whether his participation involves more cheering from the sidelines in a neck brace or actual, albeit likely precarious, attempts to swing and skate remains a hilarious mystery.

Dan Mares

President Elect
Coloma Community Schools
Term: 2026-2029
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I’m an innovative educator and assessment coordinator but deep down, I’m a total data geek who finds the "why" behind every number. You’ll find me cheering at Detroit sporting events or soaking up the magic on a Disney trip. I’ve mastered the art of balancing high-energy fun with the perfect, well-deserved relaxing session.

Elizabeth Kutchey

Secretary
Waterford School District
Term: 2025-2028
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When she’s not making AI behave or turning lessons into epic quests, Randi’s out shredding SuperBowl, battling her golf swing like it’s the final boss, or testing the latest edtech tool just for fun. She’s on a mission to make learning smarter, cooler, and way more hands-on—with a little help from ChatGPT and a lot of curiosity.

Randi Watts

Treasurer
Northwest Community Schools
Term: 2024-2027
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Staff

I attended my first Conference in 1994 in Grand Rapids and have been hooked ever since. Over the years, I’ve served as a Board Member (2011–2019), President (2014–15), and Speaker Coordinator (since 2019). In September 2024, I became Executive Director, and I’m honored to lead an organization that continues to inspire and empower educators through innovation and connection.

Tammy Maginity

Executive Director
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Dedicated to MACUL since 2002—my career has evolved from Office Accounting Assistant to Finance Manager. My faith in God is a big part of who I am, and I enjoy connecting with my church community. Outside of work, you’ll find me bowling, biking, working on jigsaw puzzles, or knee-deep in a DIY project with my husband Steve. I’m a dog lover and a movie fan.

Barb Surtman

Finance Manager
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Ric served as the very first Executive Director for MACUL. We recognize him for his dedicated leadership and service to our organization.

Ric Wiltse

Executive Director
Emeritus

Board Members

A lover of good coffee, mountain biking, YA books, puppies, and spending time by Lake Michigan. She is passionately focused on supporting and uplifting educators and keeping kids safe online. While she is definitely NOT cooking dinner tonight, she IS most likely to look lost when the group is talking about current movie references or pop culture.

Danelle Brostrom

Board Member
Traverse City Area Public Schools
Term: 2026-2029
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Amy loves singing, dancing and spending time on the water and believes she is actually part mermaid. Also a bookworm, she is on a quest to protect and save school libraries one librarian at a time.

Amy Dirlam

Board Member
St. Joseph Public Schools
Term: 2025-2028
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The online high school principal is a master of digital diplomacy, a tech support wizard in disguise, and a champion of education in a world where the classroom is wherever the Wi-Fi signal is strongest. They deserve a virtual standing ovation... if everyone can figure out how to unmute.

Kier Ingraham

Board Member
Ypsilanti Community Schools
Term: 2025-2028
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Coming soon!

Dr. Michael Hastings

Board Member
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Term: 2026-2029
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I love to run and have raced in multiple states, but I have a long way to go to catch Forest Gump. If I could be anywhere I'd be at the ocean. It’s up to you to decide which ocean. I love tomatoes.

Ashlie O’Connor

Board Member
Alpena Montmorency Alcona EST
Term: 2025-2028
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A true Apple fangirl and lifelong learner, Tanya is passionate about using technology to empower educators and destroy barriers. When she’s not championing edtech or dreaming up new ways to spark creativity, she moonlights as an unpaid taxi driver for her kids and their endless extracurriculars—powered by coffee, chaos, and the joy of watching them live their best (and busiest) lives.

Tanya Leon

Board Member
L’anse Creuse Public Schools
Term: 2025-2028

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A Technology & Innovation Consultant, Megan is a professional pioneer. She loves exploring the latest tech and beta-testing innovative practices to inspire creativity in the classroom. She balances iced coffee, Diet Coke, gymnastics, and golf practices for her two kids. When free, she’s crocheting or reading suspenseful thrillers. Megan enjoys finding creative solutions for even the most complex tech issues for Michigan educators.

Megan Roth

Board Member
Berrien RESA
Term: 2026-2029
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As a Media Specialist, Cody is the resident "yes-man" for any wild idea—whether it’s a costume day at school, a karaoke solo, or a high-stakes strategy board game. He’s the first to volunteer for the stage and the last to settle for a mediocre Reuben. When he’s not getting walked by his energetic Bernedoodle, he’s probably busy drafting the ultimate, minute-by-minute guide to the perfect Disney World vacation.

Cody Saroni

Board Member
St. Joseph Public Schools
Term: 2026-2029

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Coming soon!

Patricia Stevenson-McGee

Board Member
Ypsilanti Public Schools
Term: 2026-2029
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I am a passionate advocate for public education, using 25 years of teaching and edtech experience to spark innovative, equitable, and collaborative learning. I champion tools that amplify student voice, foster teamwork, and deepen understanding.

Chris Thomas

Board Member
Ann Arbor Public Schools
Term: 2025-2028

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An art educator passionate about fostering creativity in students and adults, I'm currently juggling several personal projects. These include a coloring activity book for teachers, the development of an art curriculum, and the initial planning of a podcast titled "They Should’ve Asked the Art Teacher." Amidst these creative endeavors, my days are also filled with the energetic chaos of a middle school classroom, the constant demands of my children's sports schedules, and the unpredictable adventures of a door-dashing dog.

Kelly Tillman

Board Member
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Term: 2024-2027
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Connecting educators in the field of educational technology.

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