CEC Announces Ben Tillotson as 2025 President-Elect
Arlington, Va. ― Benjamin “Ben” Tillotson has been named the 2025 President Elect of the Council for Exceptional Children. Tillotson will assume the presidency on January 1, 2026, overseeing CEC’s committees and Board of Directors and providing critical leadership on the organization’s planning and programs.
“For as long as I have worked as an educator, I have been a member of CEC,” Tillotson said. “My colleagues in CEC have been a wonderful pool of knowledge, a supportive safety net, and friends who encouraged me in my work.”
Tillotson has over 14 years of experience working with students with disabilities at the elementary, middle school, high school, and post-high settings. For seven years he co-taught at the SCORE Transition Academy in Salt Lake City School District that he co-developed. He formerly served on the board and as president of Utah Council for Exceptional Children and has enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors for the CEC since 2020.
During his leadership tenure, Tillotson hopes to increase visibility of the profession and redefine the educational narrative around special education, including launching a podcast and doing more grassroots work. He also hopes to expand professional bridges with general education and to promote respect for ALL learners though promoting best practice and highlighting disabled voices.
“Just as my colleagues have empowered me and as I empower those I teach, I aim to empower our members by drawing on my own experiences and by using my own unique flavor to support the entire field,” Tillotson said. “I am honored and excited to be elected as a servant leader of this organization.”
Tillotson received his M.Ed. from the University of Utah in Special Education in Severe Disabilities. He recently joined Tanner Dance at the University of Utah as the Adult Disability Arts Director. In 2022, Ben received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the University of Utah’s Special Education Department for his work in transition and with pre-service teachers. Ben is passionate about promoting sustainability, safety, and transparency in all aspects of school operations.
Learn more about Benjamin “Ben” Tillotson
“Ben is a great asset to CEC, and his leadership and experience as an educator will be welcomed.,” said CEC President Kareem Thompson. “He has been a passionate and heartfelt advocate at the local, state and national level. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we are excited to have Ben continue to lead us.”