2004 Founder's Award Recipient, Dan C. Wertz

Dan C. Wertz is Superintendent Emeritus of the Okemos Public Schools where he served for 23 years. Before coming to Okemos, Dan was a middle school science teacher, Director of Instruction at the International School in Bangkok, Thailand, and assistant superintendent in an Indiana school district. Dan received his doctorate from Indiana University. He is the recipient of the Michigan State School of Education Crystal Apple Award for Excellence in Education.

In recent years, Dan has conducted research and published a number of articles and a book about resilient behaviors of school leaders. Since retirement, Dan has presented seminars throughout Michigan, in California, and in Mexico

The Okemos Education Foundation was created as a result of superintendent Wertz's recommendation to the Board of Education in 1984. He has seen the immeasurable impact the OEF has had on staff members' ability to explore and implement new ideas and techniques that enhance student learning

Dan's wife, Linda, is a teacher in the Williamston School District. Dan and Linda have four children. Daughter Natalie McLaughlin works for a credit union in Plymouth and teaches financial seminars. She and her husband have two children. Scott Wertz is a major in the Marine Reserve and a pilot with American Airlines. Scott and his wife have three children. Todd Wertz lives with his wife and two children in Taiwan. Todd is an executive there with the K-Swiss shoe company. Nathan Wertz is a physical therapist. He and his wife life in East Lansing and have one child.