About Melissa Tebbenkamp

Inspiring leaders to innovate with trust

Nationally recognized thought leader in data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI.

Keynote speaker and workshop facilitator since 2012 helping districts and organizations turn technology into trusted, innovative systems that advance strategic goals

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How I help leaders

Melissa moderates a six-student panel on student perspectives on AI in education during GSBA AI Summit.

Partnering with districts and organizations, we work to move innovation from idea to impact.

My work centers on building trusted systems that align technology with mission, protect privacy, and strengthen security.

I advise leadership teams, delivers keynotes and workshops on how to apply my Culture of Trusted Data framework to help make confident, ethical decisions about data and technology.

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Experience you can trust

Sketch drawing of a compass with the CoTD domains of Culture, Governance, Privacy, Security, Lifecycle surrounding Trusted data in the center

Certified Teacher
Master’s in Educational Technology
Keynotes and workshop facilitation since 2012
National reputation as a thought leader on data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI
17 years as a district CTO and central office administrator supporting operational and instructional technology

What guides my work

Innovation should be intentional, not accidental. I work with leaders to clarify problems, define outcomes, and design systems that people trust. The Culture of Trusted Data framework connects culture, governance, privacy, security, and the data lifecycle so that decisions are consistent and progress is measurable. The result is momentum with accountability.

The CoTD models with ringed domains of Culture, Governance, Privacy, Security, and Lifecycle surrounding Trusted data in the center

a sketch drawing of a compass with the needing turning clockwise to the north

I started as a practitioner who had to make decisions that affected real students, families, and staff. The work taught me that tools matter, but people and culture matter more. I am grateful for every chance to help teams build systems that serve their communities well.

People first. Clarity over complexity. Progress you can defend in public.
I believe trust grows when leaders communicate clearly, make policy visible, and match words with practice. That is the work.

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Ready to Connect?

Let’s talk about your goals and design a path that fits

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