Celebrating Visionary Leadership: Meet the 2024 Difference Maker Award Recipients

Meet the Difference Makers

Each year, the Difference Maker Award shines a spotlight on education leaders who significantly impact students, families, and communities through innovation and dedication. This year’s recipients, Dr. Ryan Carpenter and Rob Clayton, exemplify these qualities, transforming their school districts into places where people can thrive and excel.

Dr. Ryan Carpenter: Leading by Example in Estacada, Oregon

Since 2019, Dr. Ryan Carpenter has served as Superintendent of Estacada School District in Oregon, embracing a “Leaders go first” mindset that inspires his community. Under his leadership, Estacada School District was named one of Oregon’s Top Work Places in 2020, a recognition it has upheld each year since. The only district to achieve this honor, Estacada exemplifies Dr. Carpenter’s commitment to excellence in education.

Superintendent Carpenter’s leadership was also instrumental during the pandemic, as Estacada School District pioneered meal delivery via school buses for families in need. This impactful initiative, born from early daily huddles, was highlighted in Time magazine, highlighting the district’s proactive and compassionate approach to challenges. Recognized among the top 20 Superintendents to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association in 2022, Ryan is published in AASA, The School Superintendents Association’s School Administrator Magazine and has four book chapters detailing his improvement journey. Ryan continues to inspire others in his district and beyond that we can always get better at getting better.

Hear Dr. Ryan Capenter on our Podcast:

• EP314: Enhance Communication with Scorecards and Huddles
• EP313: Communicate at All Levels
• EP243: Make Way for Improvement
• EP215: Critical Communication in Times of Crisis
• EP207: Save Time with Proactive Communication
• EP181: How Can We Improve Employee Engagement and Communication?
• EP98: Jump All-In to Improve

Rob Clayton: Elevating Education and Engagement in Warren County, Kentucky

Rob Clayton, the first Kentucky superintendent to partner with Studer Education in 2016, leads Warren County Public Schools, Kentucky’s fourth-largest district with over 18,000 students. Known for his passion for accountability, intentional communication, and leadership consistency, Clayton has championed using Studer Education Experience Surveys to foster impactful feedback loops that drive meaningful change with students, staff, and parents. Foundational tools like rounding and 30/90-day conversations have become instrumental throughout the district under his leadership.

Honored as Kentucky’s 2023 Superintendent of the Year by the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) and the 2022 National Superintendent of the Year by the National Association of School Superintendents (NASS), Mr. Clayton’s dedication to education excellence has set new standards across the state. His efforts in creating robust processes for students, staff, and parents illustrate a profound commitment to continuous improvement and the power of engaged, intentional leadership.

Listen to Rob Clayton on the Podcast:

• EP320: Build Trust to Strengthen Culture
• EP319: Achieve Accountability Through Consistency and Communication
• EP311: Develop Accountability to Develop Leadership
• EP282: Building Transparency and Trust

The recognition of Ryan Carpenter and Rob Clayton as the 2024 Difference Maker Award winners is a testament to their exceptional contributions to education. Their unwavering dedication to creating great places to work, learn, and succeed makes them true champions for students and communities alike. As Difference Makers, we celebrate their outstanding achievements and look forward to the continued impact they will bring to their districts, communities, and beyond.