09-06-2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Houston, TX — The Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) proudly announces that Dr. Rodney E. Watson, Executive Director of Region 4 Education Service Center (ESC), has been selected to join the 2025–2026 AESA Leadership Academy — a prestigious, yearlong leadership development program designed for executive-level leaders of educational service agencies (ESAs) across the nation.
As the leader of one of the largest and most impactful service centers in the country, Dr. Watson brings a distinguished career in public education and a deep commitment to leadership excellence. Under his guidance, Region 4 ESC supports more than 1.2 million students and 100,000 educators across 48 school districts and 40 charter schools in the greater Houston area. His selection to the Leadership Academy reflects his visionary approach to education service and his dedication to advancing opportunities for all learners.
“Dr. Watson exemplifies servant leadership at scale,” said Dr. Joan Wade, AESA Executive Director. “His dedication to innovation and collaboration makes him an ideal member of this year’s Leadership Academy cohort.”
Now in its second year, the AESA Leadership Academy equips ESA CEOs and senior leaders with the tools, insights, and networks needed to lead effectively in today’s complex educational landscape. The program features a unique blend of in-person and virtual learning, peer engagement, and a global study tour to Portugal and Spain in April 2026, organized by ACES International. Participants will explore best practices in entrepreneurial leadership, systems innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration, while engaging in high-level discussions with educational leaders and policymakers in Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon.
“Global connectedness is not a luxury—it’s a leadership necessity,” Dr. Wade added. “Through the Leadership Academy, leaders like Dr. Watson return to their communities with fresh ideas, new strategies, and the inspiration to lead with purpose.”
For more information about the Leadership Academy, please contact Dr. Joan Wade, AESA Executive Director, at jwade@aesa.us or visit www.aesa.us.