Alissa Harrison, D.M.

Dr. Alissa E. Harrison is the Vice President for Technology, Data, and Products for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Dr. Harrison is a distinguished senior executive with over 30 years of expertise in technology and education. In her current role at the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), she leads technology transformation and oversees data, AI initiatives, security, project, and product & services management. Her proven track record of leadership and innovation across corporate, government consulting, for-profit, and non-profit sectors is a testament to her commitment to driving positive change in diverse environments and inspiring those around her.

In her previous role as VPIT/CIO at Hampton University, Dr. Harrison led IT teams and managed enterprise-level financial and HR support, web design and services, help desk operations, network services, computer center operations, media productions, and the Learning Management System. Before this, she served as Senior Vice President at Muse Technologies, a pioneering small business specializing in change management, technology, capacity building, coaching, and leadership training, and as a senior consultant/SME for Jacobs Engineering.

Dr. Harrison’s board experience is extensive. In addition to currently serving as the Vice Chair Secretary and Finance Committee member of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) Board, she serves on two additional child-centric non-profit boards. As Technology Chair on the National Center for Women’s Innovations Board, she is dedicated to advancing the organization’s vision, leveraging her passion for STEM and education. She contributes to the Williamsburg James City County Schools Foundation Board as part of the Executive Team and Development Chair and has served on the Governance Committee.

Her academic contributions include adjunct faculty roles at the University of Maryland Global College (UMGC) and George Mason University. Dr. Harrison is also an Executive Partner at the College of William and Mary, mentoring the Mason School of Business graduate students. An accomplished author and researcher, she has published works on leadership competencies, Millennial leadership development, and the challenges military spouses face in postgraduate studies. She conducts leadership development seminars, speaks on digital transformation and change, and offers generational diversity workshops. Dr. Harrison is a sought-after keynote speaker for education, business, and non-profit organizations.

A native of New Britain, Connecticut, Dr. Harrison has been a military spouse for over 33 years, advocating for military families and community programs. She and her husband live in Williamsburg, VA, and have three sons; their middle child is a non-commissioned officer, and their youngest is an officer in the US Marines. Their eldest son recently returned from Tokyo, and their family now resides near them in Williamsburg with their first granddaughter.

Dr. Harrison holds a Doctor of Management from the University of Maryland Global College, a Master of Arts in Administration Science/Technology from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Howard University and is currently pursuing a graduate certification in EDIB from Harvard University.  She is also certified in PMP, ITILv3, and coaching.