Think Tank in action
From the room
Sessions, workshops and the athletic directors who make them work.
K12 AD Think Tank
The K12 AD Think Tank brings athletic directors together to share what's working, identify challenges and help shape the solutions, resources and best practices serving school athletics.
K12 Connect is free for all athletic directors — browse vendors, read reviews, access resources and connect with the community. The AD Think Tank is for ADs who want to do more: share insights, test ideas and help shape what's next in school athletics.
In their words
“Being part of the K12 AD Think Tank has provided me the opportunity to learn about some of the new up-and-coming tech within the community, as well as provide future tech developers insight on the current landscape and needs of the high school athletic director.”
Jeremey Cryan, Athletic Director — Oak Lawn Community High School, IL
“Being able to get a look at new technology that could help our athletic programs before they become public has been great.”
Tony Millard, CMAA, Athletic Director — Oswego East High School, IL
“Overall, my experience with K12 Sports Tech has been nothing short of amazing. One of the standout features of K12 is its supportive community.”
Ashley Paulson, Athletic Director — Grafton High School, MA
“The AD Think Tank is doing incredible work, pioneering innovative solutions and strategies that are transforming the landscape of athletic administration.”
Rob Rafeh, Athletic Director — Marin Academy, San Rafael, CA
“This experience has been extraordinarily refreshing in a profession that can be stagnant.”
Mat Parker, Retired District Athletic Director — Rockford Public Schools, IL
Membership
Think Tank members participate in a variety of opportunities to share their expertise and make an impact on the products and services available to athletic departments.
Through surveys, research and conversations that help vendors and K12 understand what schools actually need.
On new and evolving solutions — from early-stage concepts to products ready for wider rollout.
Pilots and collaboration sessions with vendors and peers, tackling real challenges in athletic administration.
Your perspective directly shapes how companies build products and services for athletic departments.
Advisory sessions, research participation and other opportunities where your expertise is compensated.
Our flagship workshop series brings ADs and vendors together for focused, productive conversations. Recent and upcoming topics include:
Explore creative and sustainable funding strategies for athletic programs.
Evaluate tools and systems that streamline athletic department management.
Discuss solutions supporting physical and mental health across programs.
Navigate the evolving landscape of rules, transfers and NIL at the K-12 level.
Think Tank in action
Sessions, workshops and the athletic directors who make them work.
K12 is built and run by people who understand both school athletics and the companies that serve them.
Founder & CEO
Division I Lacrosse All-American at Notre Dame with 11+ years at 8to18 Digital (now Snap Mobile). Founded K12 Sports Tech in 2022 to bridge the gap between ADs and vendors.
Managing Partner & COO
Former teacher, AD, and Executive Director of Beyond Sports Foundation. Built partnerships with Jordan Brand, Gatorade, CDW, and the NFL. Michigan State and Northwestern grad.
VP of Partnerships
Built enterprise sales teams and strategic alliance programs across five startups in the US and European markets. Drives business outcomes for sports tech and service providers.
AD Think Tank Growth & Engagement Director
Maine-certified PK–12 Athletic Director and former Division III football and lacrosse athlete. Oversees Think Tank member growth, engagement and program development.
Communications & Customer Success
15+ years in customer success, consulting, and communications. Northwestern master's in communications. Oversees communications across AD and vendor partner engagement.
That's okay. K12 Connect is still free for athletic directors, and you can use the platform to explore vendors, read verified reviews, access resources and discover opportunities.
Join K12 Connect freeJoin the K12 AD Think Tank and put your experience to work for ADs everywhere.
Joining starts with a short intro call with Alec from the K12 Connect team. Already have a K12 Connect account? Request your intro call from your dashboard.