An unwavering commitment to student success, out-of-the-box creativity and a willingness to take risks all describe the work of Susan Labrecque, ACSA’s 2020 Career Technical Education Administrator of the Year.  In her career at the Solano County Office of Education, beginning as a vocational specialist in 1995 and continuing to her work today as director of Resource Development and Transition Services, Labrecque has made it her mission to support positive career outcomes for students with disabilities and at-promise and out-of-school youth. Her achievements include creating a model Workforce Development department to serve multiple populations across school districts in Solano County, hosting a film camp for 47 youth with intellectual disabilities through Joey Travolta’s Inclusion Films, working inventively with the Department of Rehabilitation and North Bay Regional Center to create broader opportunities, and introducing individual laptops in all alternative programs, including the juvenile detention facility, to support students’ use of Google apps as a platform for classroom work. Her approach has consistently been to find better ways to implement existing mandates to increase services and address the needs of historically excluded students. In addition to her effective role in Solano County, Labrecque also actively serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. “Susan has incredible determination to pursue ambitious goals on behalf of the students in Solano County and is generous with her knowledge and transparent with her practice,” wrote Victor Romualdi, associate superintendent of Student Programs and Services at Solano COE. “She is an exemplary leader for her team, for our organization, the districts, and agencies devoted to positive student outcomes in our region.” What’s your favorite book on leadership? Two of my more recent favorites are “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, and “Radical Candor” by Kim Scott. What’s your favorite quote about leadership? “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? You’re too good to be comfortable; innovate, change, embrace and do it again.  What are the top five life hacks that you would recommend to new administrators? 1. Integrity First — hold yourself to a higher standard, be honest and transparent. 2. Start your day with the hardest tasks, not emails. You will start the day feeling accomplished.  3. Your greatest investment is your people. Be supportive and give them opportunities to grow. 4. Treat your employees with equal respect. You are not better just because of your title.  5. Kill clutter — it will help you focus and be more productive. What made you want to become a school administrator? It just happened — I wasn’t seeking it out. Once I became a classified program manager, I was motivated to get my administrative credential to put myself in a position to be a greater asset to the Solano County Office of Education. I really do enjoy my job as an administrator because I’m in a position to guide/influence change to provide greater opportunities to youth.   What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are? People’s perception of what they think a school administrator should be. I’m not your traditional school administrator nor did I follow the traditional school administrator path to become one.  What are you proud of accomplishing? Professionally what I’m most proud of accomplishing is building the best Workforce Development team in the state (my opinion). I most enjoy developing people to be the best they can be.  Who is someone who inspires you? General James Mattis. What’s your pre-game ritual to get ready for a big meeting or presentation? Self-talk. I remind myself of the “why” and my intentions. I visualize my staff and students.  What was the best ACSA event you’ve attended? The 2019 Leadership Summit, every breakout session was excellent.  How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position? Many years ago, I had the opportunity to be on the CTE committee representing Region 4. I learned a lot from the others on the committee and it was a great opportunity to network with other leaders.   What bucket list item do you hope to accomplish this year? Complete Air War College, an advanced military professional development program required to advance my military career. You are given five years to complete Air War College; my goal is to complete the program in 18 months.  What has the impact of the COVID-19 worldwide health crisis taught you? The virus has taught me that nothing is impossible, and everything is possible. In less than two months the greatest nation in the world, the U.S.A., goes from a roaring economy to a nearly complete standstill. That would have appeared impossible just a few months ago. We had over 100 students working when the governor issued his executive order of shelter in place. In less than two weeks from going into SIP, the amazing SCOE staff were completely up and running remotely, providing above and beyond services to youth. What I learned: My staff can make everything possible if it means doing what is best for youth.