Laurel Ballard, Ph.D. is the WDE Innovations Officer at the Wyoming Department of Education. In that role, she worked extensively with K-12, postsecondary, workforce, industry, and national partners to support school districts with graduating students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in college and careers. Dr. Ballard is leading efforts to support K-12 school districts with implementing computer science education in their schools. She also leads the reform efforts related to digital learning which have been codified into law. Dr. Ballard has also served on the Board of Directors of the State Education Technology Directors Association.