Honoring Ann Walton for the CEC Impact Award

Ann Walton has been selected by the Board of Directors as a recipient of the CEC Impact Award. The CEC Impact Award recognizes an individual or community/corporate organization that has had an impact on CEC’s strategic work. 

Ms. Walton has been involved with the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MI CEC) for several years. She was in the presidential line on the Board of Directors, serving as  President from 2016 to 2017. In 2018, she became the MI CEC Executive Director and will serve in that role, until June 30, 2024.

Says one of her nominators, “Ann's exceptional leadership spans across critical domains: finance, administration, board relations, member relations, public relations, government relations, and event planning. Her strategic vision and meticulous management have steered MI CEC toward becoming a dynamic organization dedicated to fostering excellence in special education and advocating for crucial educational reforms.”

She has also played an instrumental role in the MITTIN(MI Transition To INdependence) Project, serving on the MITTIN Leadership Team. MITTIN is a dynamic collection of modules and curricular resources which foster the development of independent living skills in the home and community. Designed to support special education transition-related instruction, these resources are free and available for all parents, schools, educators, and learners in Michigan. MITTIN is a partnership of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MI CEC), Great Lakes Reality Labs (GLRL), and Public Policy Associates (PPA).

Ms. Walton has played a critical role in leading Michigan CEC, thereby strengthening the field of education, impacting success for individuals with exceptionalities by assisting in providing professional development, support and advocacy for children, youth, families, special, and general educators throughout the state.