Paul Rice

About Paul Rice

I have been in the educational assessment and technology field for over 20 years.Having high level dialogue with leaders in K-12 districts and state departments on topics such as data-interpretation and analysis, student growth, balanced-assessment (summative, formative, and interim), RTI/MTSS, professional development, English language proficiency, differentiating instruction, and data management, has provided me the opportunity to be successful in a highly competitive market, to work with amazing mentors and colleagues, and hone a very well rounded set of consultative selling skills. Experienced - to lead.Consultative - to show the why and to build rapport and trust quickly.Aware - to know metrics permeate daily culture and when used properly are invaluable as sales tools, provide opportunities for coaching and mentoring, and inevitably drive profitability and customer experiences. Observant - to understand culture and processes of an organization.Savvy - to manage cross-functional teams in high dollar, complex sales. Clear - to communicate effectively.Strong - to trust my team and delegate accordingly.Knowledgeable - of research driving market trends. Humble - to know I’m only as good as the team with whom I surround myself. Competitive - to win with detailed plans and creative methodologies.Compassionate - to relate to customers and colleagues.Brave - to ask tough questions about strategy, product development, pricing structures, partnerships, marketing, customer experiences, and services. Curious - to ask for the rationale driving business decisions, offerings and behaviors.Organized - to cover large territories.Driven - to grow personally and professionally.Confident - to let you know.

Experience

1. Vice President Government Affairs

   Imagine Learning

   Oct 2025 — Present · Tempe, AZ, US

   Market access & policy risk mitigation • State legislative & regulatory strategy • K–12 education policy • Instructional materials & technology • Coalition building • Multi-state advocacy executionDrive market-access strategy by leading multi-state legislative and regulatory advocacy that supports adoption and responsible governance of instructional materials and digital learning solutionsAnticipate policy shifts and translate them into actionable guidance for leaders and go-to-market teams; shape legislation, regulation, budgets, and procurement trends to reduce barriers to adoption.Represent Imagine Learning with legislatures, state education agencies, and governors’ offices to influence outcomes that affect purchasing, implementation, and long-term customer success; provide testimony and policy expertise as neededOperate a high-leverage external advocacy model by building and leading a national network of lobbyists and partners; align state campaigns to company priorities and near-term business needsBuild coalitions and bipartisan relationships that increase credibility, expand influence, and create durable support for policy positions that protect and grow the businessPartner cross-functionally (legal, product, sales, field ops, marketing) to align policy positions, messaging, and execution—improving speed to decision and consistency in the fieldProvide timely risk assessments and strategic recommendations

Education

• University of Colorado Denver

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Educational Administration, Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction

• Luther College

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Elementary Education - Special Education