Karen Cator is a recognized leader in transforming education through technology, innovation, and research, with extensive experience across the corporate, non-profit, government, and public education sectors. She is currently advising the education program at SPARK NS, working on translational research in medicine. Most recently, Cator directed global education for Apple Inc.
Cator is the former President and CEO of Digital Promise, an independent bipartisan non-profit, originated by Congress as part of the 2008 Higher Education Act. Supported by federal, foundation and corporate funds, the mission of Digital Promise is to improve opportunities to learn through innovation, technology, and research. She served in this capacity from 2013 through 2020 during the organization’s rapid growth phase.
From 2009 to 2013, Cator served as the Director of the Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education, where she spearheaded the development of the 2010 National Education Technology Plan and focused efforts on supporting teachers and leaders. Prior to joining the Department, Cator directed Apple’s leadership and advocacy efforts in education, working at the intersection of technology, education policy, and practice.
Cator’s career began in Alaska, where she worked as a teacher before taking on leadership roles in technology planning and implementation. She served as Special Assistant for Telecommunications for the Governor of Alaska in 1996.
Cator holds a Master’s in School Administration from the University of Oregon and received the College of Education Distinguished Alumni Award. She earned her bachelor’s in early childhood education from Springfield College, which honored her with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Additionally, Cator has also been recognized with the Visionary Award from the American Association of Publishers.
She is a member of the Aspen Pahara Fellows, a former chair of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, and has served on boards including ACT, Intermediary Ed, Digital Promise, and the Software & Information Industry Association – Education.