MADISON – Longtime school leader Tommy Whitten is serving as Interim Coordinator of Technology Infrastructure for Madison City Schools.

In 2016, Whitten retired as District Technology Coordinator for Madison County Schools.

“It was a compliment when Mr. Parker called and asked me if I would be interested in filling in for the previous coordinator,” Whitten said. Aaron New, the former coordinator, resigned to work closer to his home.

“I consider Madison City Schools as one of the most progressive school districts in its use of technology. I felt it would be interesting and exciting to be a part of it, even if it was for a short while,” Whitten said.

Whitten’s credentials include Certified Educational Technology Leader (granted by the Consortium of School Networking) and a certified Alabama Chief Technology Officer (earned from Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology). “I believed that with my background I could be an asset to the district while they searched for a permanent coordinator,” Whitten said.

For this job configuration, Madison County Schools has one employee as District Technology Coordinator. MCS has two slots: Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Coordinator of Technology Infrastructure.

Another difference between the two districts is size. “Madison County has 28 schools, scattered around the county, while Madison City has 11 schools in comparably close proximity,” Whitten said.

Whitten’s career is full of impressive honors:

* Marbury Technology Innovation Award — From Alabama State Department of Education.

* Making IT Happen Award — From International Society of Technology in Education or ISTE.

* Sally Moore Memorial Technology Award — From Alabama Leaders in Educational Technology.

*  100 Premier Technology Leaders in 2017 — From “Computer World Magazine.” Whitten accepted the international award at AGENDA Conference in Jacksonville, Fla.

A veteran of Desert Storm, Whitten retired as Lieutenant Colonel in the Alabama National Guard after 30 years in the military. During his service, he earned the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.

At the University of North Alabama, he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration.

His wife Paula teaches at St. John the Baptist Catholic School. “Paula retired from the Madison City Schools with 30 years of service. She’s in her 43rd year in education,” Tommy said.

The Whittens have lived in Madison since 1984. Their son Thomas graduated from Bob Jones High School and UNA. Thomas, wife Natalie and daughters Kennedy and Audrey live in Franklin, Tenn.