Brian Lewis, MA, CAE
CEO
Since joining the CSHA team in 2018, Brian has brought entrepreneurial energy, fiscal know-how and governance insight to the association’s work in writing the next chapter of the CSHA story.
A leader who actively engages colleagues and stakeholders, the building blocks of Brian’s career have been a commitment to meaningful change, a focus on the strategic and human interests of the organization and its people, and a deep belief in ethical servant leadership.
His work has long been grounded in the skilled development and communication of organizational brand and message. Brian views brand strategy as foundationally critical to an organization’s work and impact. Like the strength of a home is grounded in its foundation, Brian envisions an organization’s work grounded in a substantive, strategic brand position.
Prior to coming to CSHA, Brian launched the consulting firm Associan, which provides entrepreneurial and strategic expertise to organizations in the areas of brand strategy, change management, governance, advocacy and more.
Prior to that, Brian served as the CEO of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), an organization with more than 20,000 members. At ISTE, he led a complete transformation of the organization, from brand position and governance, to finance and advocacy. He also reinvigorated its core mission and expanded its influence around the world.
He’s a seasoned communicator and has delivered keynote addresses internationally, including in Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Mexico City and the Philippines.
Brian has extensive nonprofit experience, having served in key positions at the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the California Association of School Business Officials, the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association and the California School Boards Association.
In addition to his professional talents, Brian brings a personal connection to his role at CSHA. “Having been the beneficiary of support from speech-language pathologists in elementary school, I feel passionately about the dramatic impacts our members have on the lives of the people they serve,” he said. “I have wonderfully positive memories about my experience and a story to tell about how it changed my life.”
