President

KevinKratzer begins his 30th year in education in 2025, the 15th year as superintendent of Southern Hills Career and Technical Center.  In his role as superintendent at SHCTC Kevin has led a number of initiatives to grow the district and increase capacity for students in CTE.  These projects have all been accomplished in a collaborative manner, partnering with the many stakeholders of Southern Hills CTC.  SHCTC partners include the many local business and industry leaders, the associate schools served, parents and students.  Most recently Southern Hills added 10,000 sq. ft to their campus and added two new Career Tech labs - allowing an additional 100 students to attend the Career Center.

Kevin's educational background includes a bachelor's from Ohio University and a master's degree from the University of Dayton.  He is an active member of the Brown County Chamber of Commerce and works closely with the Brown County Commissioner's and the Economic Development Department.  Kevin is excited to serve as President for OACTS and continue the organizations important work advocating for Ohio's students that choose Career Technical Education.

Executive Director

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.

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.

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 through email.

Executive Director

With 35 years in Career Technical Education, Connie  has been a lifelong advocate for workforce development and career technical education at all levels.  For the past 30 years, she has served at Tri-County Career Center, including the last seven years as superintendent, overseeing both the high school and adult CTE programs and services.

Her leadership journey includes roles as a high school principal, Adult Director, and Technology Director. She has spearheaded the development of numerous career tech programs, as well as managed significant building renovations and expansions to create  opportunities for youth and adults to access career tech education.

Beyond her local impact, she has been a driving force for career tech education at the state and regional levels. She has served as a board member for the Ohio Association of Career Technical Superintendents and represented OACTS on the Ohio Transfer Network Board., Her advocacy and insights have influenced policies and initiatives that benefit adult and secondary students and communities across Ohio.

Contact Connie at caltier@oacts.com or 740.603.2520.