MassCTE extends its sincere congratulations to Lisa M. Sandler for being awarded MAVA’s highest honor bestowed; the 2023 Dr. David F. Cronin Award
Lisa M. Sandler has worked tirelessly and passionately for 32 years, giving her very best to her constituents,
colleagues, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts every day.
Lisa had a wonderful mom and dad who were always supportive, but it was her beloved dad Charlie Sandler that lit
the fire for Lisa. His dedication and work for the Massachusetts Vocational Association (MVA) and Madison Park
showed her the path forward.
In 2012, Lisa received the prestigious Harold L. Pride award named after the Massachusetts Vocational
Association’s first president, recognizing significant contributions to the growth and improvement of MVA.
Interestingly, her dad Charlie received the same award in 1985.
Lisa’s first job in technical education was at Blue Hills Regional doing recruitment and admissions for the high
school, postgraduate, and postsecondary programs. Lisa moved on to Southeastern Regional where she
developed and formalized the recruiting and admissions process, established SEEL – The South East Equity Leaders
non-traditional program, and the Tech Prep Program.
In 1998, Lisa was awarded her master’s degree in School Counseling and quickly jumped into the next chapter of
her career as a vocational guidance counselor. I that role, she directly influenced the lives of children. Through
her personal outreach and concern, students got fed, got a warm coat, and always knew they could use Lisa’s
office to make a phone call.
In 2002, Lisa attended the MAVA Leadership Academy. In 2003, she earned her Certificate in Advanced Graduate
Studies (CAGS). Soon after, she became an administrator at Southeastern where she served as a Vocational Cluster
Coordinator.
Lisa has spent the last 18 years with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education where
she was a key contributor and leader managing a budget of more than $20 million. Her roles included State
Director of Career & Technical Education, MA MOA Civil Rights Coordinator, and Statewide Initiatives Coordinator,
where she earned respect nationally. Under her leadership, Massachusetts led the nation with 14 statewide
articulation agreements.
Over her long and distinguished career, Lisa M. Sandler has been a steadfast advocate for technical education and
worked alongside MAVA superintendents, administrators, and teachers on a variety of important programs,
including curriculum framework revisions, coordinated program reviews, and Perkins grant oversight. She never
hesitated to speak truth to power, to uphold the highest standards of integrity, to protect the high program
standards established in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 74, and to always fight for what was right for all
students.
The Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators is pleased to honor Lisa M. Sandler with the 2023 Dr.
David F. Cronin Award – the highest honor MAVA bestows. It is our way of recognizing Lisa for a distinguished and
respected career in technical education.