2025 MCEC Global Training Summit Tools of the Trade: Technology’s Impact on Education

Mary Bier

Mary Bier, MBA, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). A seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in business strategy, organizational leadership, and community engagement, she brings a dynamic vision to MCEC’s mission of ensuring every military-connected child has access to quality educational opportunities.

As a military spouse and parent, Bier has firsthand insight into the unique challenges and strengths of military families. This lived experience fuels her passion for advocating for military-connected students, ensuring they receive the educational support and opportunities they deserve.

Bier’s professional background spans both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, where she has successfully led high-impact initiatives, built collaborative partnerships, and served as a subject matter expert on veteran and military family issues. She has been invited to the White House to share insights on military-connected programs, testified before the New York City Department of Veteran Affairs, and facilitated expert panels on military family well-being.

Prior to joining MCEC, Bier held leadership roles in business strategy, customer success, and military initiatives, where she was instrumental in scaling operations, optimizing talent development, and fostering inclusive organizational cultures. Her ability to translate strategic goals into actionable outcomes has driven mission impact across multiple organizations.

At MCEC, Bier is committed to expanding the organization’s reach, deepening partnerships, and championing the needs of military-connected children. Under her leadership, MCEC will continue to be a trusted resource for families, educators, and policymakers dedicated to supporting military students on their educational journey.

Bier holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Management and Organizational Behavior and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from California Lutheran University.

She resides with her family in Madison, Wisconsin.

Missy Holstead

Missy joined the MCEC team in 2020.  Originally from Ohio, she is a graduate of Texas A&M University. Missy has worked in the private, government, education sectors and has held numerous volunteer roles. 

She is a military spouse to her active-duty Soldier for over twenty years and currently resides in Rhode Island. They have three children ranging in ages from 10 – 16 years of age. 

As a mother, Missy has grown, found inspiration, motivation and purpose with her military-connected children.  In her spare time, she loves to bike ride, run, swim and read books.

Marley Ott

Marley Ott serves as the Community Coordinator for Charleston, SC, with the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). A former military spouse, experienced educator, and passionate advocate for military-connected students, she brings a unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise to the role. Having guided her two children through a combined 18 school transitions, Marley understands the educational challenges that come with frequent relocations.

With over a decade of experience in public education, Marley has taught across a wide range of academic levels and diverse school settings. She holds multiple advanced certifications and has mentored fellow educators in implementing evidence-based instructional practices. As an MTSS Intervention Coach, she led data-driven initiatives at a high-needs high school by identifying key concerns, developing targeted strategies, and implementing supports that improved both academic achievement and students’ emotional well-being.

Marley was also selected by multiple military commanders to serve as a Key Spouse, acting as a trusted liaison between military families and leadership. In this role, she regularly coordinated with schools and community organizations to advocate for and support military-connected students.

Known for her collaborative, student-centered approach, Marley works closely with families, educators, and military and community leaders to develop strategies that ease school transitions and better support military-connected students.

Marley lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and two children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling with her family.

Beth Parkman

Beth has served as a Career Coach in Lee County Schools (Alabama) for 12 years. She assists students by guiding them to college, career or military following graduation. She worked in the Alabama Community College System for 8 years before transitioning to K-12. Beth is a graduate of The University of Alabama and Troy University.

She is involved in multiple community roles including serving at her church in both the children’s and youth departments. She is an assistant volleyball coach for her high school’s varsity team and is an S2S sponsor. She has served on multiple mission teams that have traveled to New Mexico, Texas, Wyoming and Belize.

Beth has been married to her husband, Drew, for 20 years. They have two daughters, Libby and Georgia Kate. She enjoys watching her daughters play on their school softball and volleyball teams. Beth enjoys traveling, walking, reading and cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide!

Robert Richert

Robert Richert is a dedicated School Liaison with the 42d Force Support Squadron (FSS) at Maxwell Air Force Base (AFB), Alabama. Since April 2021, he has been committed to outreach, advocacy, and partnership initiatives designed to address the unique educational challenges faced by transitioning military-connected students in grades K-12 throughout the River Region, Montgomery, AL.

Mr. Richert is a strong advocate for military children, acting as a vital connection between Maxwell AFB leadership, parents, students, principals, and the surrounding school districts, including the on-base Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school. He proactively educates counselors, teachers, and school leadership about the unique challenges faced by relocating military families, with the goal of ensuring a seamless and positive educational transition for every student.

Mr. Richert’s commitment stems from his personal experience as the child of an Air Force Veteran. Having lived in six states, one foreign country, and attended ten different schools during his childhood, he intimately understands the challenges of frequent relocation, deployments, and the constant need to forge new friendships. This lived experience, combined with over 30 years of experience in Child and Youth Programs (CYP) and Force Support – ranging from Youth Programs Specialist, Director of Youth Programs, and ultimately serving in his latest role as School Liaison Program Manager – provides him with a unique perspective and unwavering dedication to the well-being of military children.