Awards

It is exciting to see the impact that technology is having across K-12 education and on the future of fundamental learning.

We’re proud of our role in education technology innovation and recognize and appreciate the invaluable efforts our volunteers contribute to the work that we do. We’re pleased to acknowledge and celebrate our volunteers through ECNO awards.

The nominees for our awards showcase leadership, expertise, and dedication in their work, and demonstrate how technology can have a positive effect on education technology. These awards are presented, when appropriate, at the Annual ECNO Conference.

Dan Cousineau Award

Chris Demers is awarded the Dan Cousineau award, pictured with Executive Director, Wayne Toms and Board member, Carolyn Glaser, at the 2025 annual ECNO Conference

The ECNO Community named the award after Dan to recognize members that exhibit his qualities and dedication to furthering education in Ontario. The 2025 recipient was Chris Demers, CIO, Waterloo Catholic DSB, who is a visionary leader in educational technology whose contributions have significantly shaped Ontario’s K–12 ICT landscape. Chris’s dedication to collaboration, problem-solving, and knowledge sharing exemplifies the spirit of the Dan Cousineau Award, making him a truly deserving recipient.

Dan Cousineau played a key role in directing computer technology in Ontario school Boards. Those who crossed paths with Dan respected his abilities as a visionary and leader. Those who didn’t know Dan saw the impact of the mark he made in technology in school Boards.
Wayne Toms

Sandra Quehl Award

Cathy Thier is awarded the third Sandra Quehl award, pictured with Executive Director, Wayne Toms, and Board member and previous winner, Carolyn Glaser at the 2025 annual ECNO Conference.

The third winner, announced at the 2025 conference, Cathy Thier, General Manager, Information Services Halton District School Board, is a trailblazing leader in educational ICT, whose decades-long commitment to equity, mentorship, and innovation has left a lasting impact for women in Ed-tech. Her legacy of service, advocacy, and professional excellence exemplifies the spirit of the Sandra Quehl Award. we congratulate her on receiving this honour!

To many of the women leaders in K-12 IT in Ontario, Sandra was a mentor and role model. She lived a life and shared the virtues of equity, diversity, and the role of women in leadership. The ECNO Community named the award after Sandra to recognize outstanding female Leadership in K-12 IT in Ontario.
Wayne Toms