Glenna Wright-Gallo Email & Phone Number

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Key Achievements:I maximize efficiency of an average annual appropriation of $220 billion.My advancement of infrastructure, policy, funding, and technical assistance supports instructional leaders in states and districts to focus on providing high quality evidence-based instruction, interventions, and supports to individuals with disabilities of all ages.My leadership throughout the cross-agency initiative allowed me to decrease the educator shortage with updated policy and guidance supporting inclusionary early childhood, accessible and assistive technology, advance competitive integrated employment, and school-based mental health supporting children, youth, and adults with disabilities.I was honored to receive my positional nomination by President Biden in November 2021 and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in May 2023. I was selected for this position for my expertise in special education and dedication to helping students with disabilities of all ages reach their full potential and focus on equity and inclusion for all students. In this position, I act as an advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Education on matters related to individuals with disabilities of all ages. I oversee the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), overall operations, coordination of cross-agency and cross-governmental efforts, and leadership. My skills in leadership and coaching continue to ensure cohesive planning and execution of department-wide matters toward our collaboratively identified vision through improvement planning, national presentations, all levels of stakeholder engagement, and data analysis. One of my biggest strengths is my ability to take in research and information from a variety of points of view and find a common thread to help unite the team in solving a common mission. I enjoy the challenge of solving the overarching areas of needed improvement. I lead a staff of 190.

Olympia, Washington

Key Achievements:My financial and grants expertise helped me to direct over $250 million in IDEA funds and $100 million in state funding through grant dissemination and reporting.I implemented a $37 million four-year inclusionary practices project which was proven to be highly effective and greatly improved student inclusion across the state.I collaborated with legislative leaders to bring the first update in two decades to the state special education funding formula resulting in a funding increase of $155 million.My communication and strategic planning skills allowed me to unite the vision for special education services across a variety of interests. I maximized state, federal, and personnel resources to improve outcomes for students with disabilities and oversaw the daily operations of OSPI Special Education division. I maintained positive working and personal relationships with diverse systems which were crucial to achieving the vision of equity-based student focus. The collaboration with professional organizations allowed me to establish research and development of evidence-based practices. I implemented state-wide general and special education improvement plans. My leadership of a project that supported local and state improvement efforts improved student support. I ensured the needs of all students with disabilities were met through accurate implementation of state and federal rules and regulations for over 295 school districts including charter and tribal schools. I directed development and implementation of state-level guidance for IDEA during the COVID pandemic and school facility closure and reopening. I also engaged with stakeholders.

Utah, United States

Key Achievements:My control of $115 million in IDEA funds through grant dissemination.I improved the performance of students with disabilities on mathematics assessments through my implementation of a state-wide coordinated plan consisting of professional development and coaching of leaders and educators.I spearheaded my team through a federal IDEA monitoring site visit to Utah with no findings of noncompliance.While holding this position, I orchestrated state-wide special education programs through data analysis, goal and objective setting, and system improvement. I stayed dedicated to supporting programs through precise budgeting, professional development, and technical assistance, and enacted policies and procedures to ensure state and federal regulations were met. I sharpened and utilized my skills in logic model building, data analysis, and date-driven decision making. These skills lent themselves to system-wide student improvement and excellent performance evaluations. I conducted school district and charter school special education meetings which provided ongoing professional learning opportunities for employees, families, and other stakeholders, and ensured all students with disabilities received a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) through collaboration with multiple programs.

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Special Education And Teaching

Activities and Societies: Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA)

Administrative Leadership Certificate

Master Of Business Administration (Mba), Business Administration And Management, General

Masters Of Science, Special Education And Teaching