Jan P. Hammond is professor emerita at the State University of New York at New Paltz where she was department chair and director of the doctoral program between SUNY and the University at Albany and has served on numerous dissertation committees. With nearly 50 years in education, she has held leadership positions at the K-12 level as well as on state and national boards and associations. She has received numerous awards including SUNY Excellence in Teaching award and New York State Educator of the Year. She has written extensively on educational leadership, competitive advantage for schools, and mentoring.

Paula E. Lester brings to this resource 50 years of experience as a university professor and department chairperson, dissertation chairperson, dissertation committee member, educational administrator, and classroom teacher. She received a Ph.D. in organizational and administrative studies from New York University and she was awarded the Outstanding Dissertation of the Year Award from the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. Her more than 25 publications include six books and articles in Educational and Psychological Measurement, Principal, Clearing House, and other periodicals. She has been on the faculty of Long Island University since 1985 and is currently a senior professor. She received the Newton Award for Academic Excellence as well as numerous research grants from the University. In addition, Dr. Lester is the founding director of the doctoral program in interdisciplinary educational studies at Long Island University.