Outstanding Education Administrator of the Year Awardees
The Education Administrators Association's (EAA) Outstanding EA Award is created to recognize the incredible EAs who lead with integrity, who are experts in their field and build positive relationships with schools and communities.
The Outstanding EA of the Year award was designed to honor and recognize EAs who go above and beyond. EAs are the unsung heroes that work behind the scenes and the EAA want to celebrate you!
2025 Outstanding Education Administrator of the Year Award
From left to right:
Daemian Passarelli, EAA Pres, Winnie Bracco, Fmr EAA Pres, Jack Dolan-Cheney (Kate's son), Kate Dolan-Cheney, Outstanding EAA member, Roseann Harris, Outstanding EAA member, Claudine Conover, EAA VP.
Nominated by
Carolina Liriano
As the Director of Autism Programs for NYCPS, Kate has dedicated her career to ensuring that students with autism recieve the support, respect and opportunities that they deserve. Under her leadership, the Nest and Horizon programs have grown into some of the most respected and effective models of inclusive education in the country.
But it's not just about program development- it's about the heart, vision, and integrity she brings to everything she does. She works side by side with educators, school leaders, families and community partners to create learning environment where all students can thrive. Kate's leadership has transformed lives and left a lasting impact on our school communities.
Nominated by
Kathleen Mulgrew-Daretany
Roseann has spent years supporting schools and districts across the city in crafting their DEPs and CEPs- not just checking boxes, but helping teams build thoughtful actionable and meaningful plans.Her expertise in policy, planning and data is unmatched. But even more impressive is the way she brings that expertise to life: with humility, empathy and care.
One of her greatest gifts is how she builds and sustains relationships. Her warmth, humor, and humanity creates spaces where people feel seen, supported and empowered. As one colleague put it simply: "I just love working with Roseann".
