Tom Burton
Tom Burton is a nationally recognized education and leadership expert, CEO of WeEmpower LLC, and retired Superintendent of Princeton City Schools. With decades of experience in educational leadership, Tom is known for his innovative approach to leadership development, team building, and strategic visioning. Tom empowers leaders to maximize their strengths, build high-performing teams, and create lasting impact. He will use his expertise in the Six Types of Working Genius, leadership agility, and fostering a culture of excellence to lead the retreat focused on growth, collaboration, and actionable outcomes.
Dr. Keith Hartbuaer
Dr. Keith Hartbauer is the CEO of Educational Leadership Strategies, LLC, and a distinguished superintendent of schools with a proven track record in transformative educational leadership. With a commitment to creating student-centered districts, he has championed strong mental health initiatives that prioritize student well-being and academic success. Throughout his career, Dr. Hartbauer has led numerous successful teams, fostering collaborative learning environments that drive excellence in education. His visionary leadership continues to shape the future of school systems, ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.
The Western PA Leadership Collaborative (WPALC) is a dynamic network dedicated to empowering K-12 district and building-level leaders through meaningful connections, expert coaching, and innovative leadership development.
Founded by Tom Burton and Dr. Keith Hartbauer, WPALC brings together decades of educational leadership experience to support and inspire school leaders across Western Pennsylvania and beyond.
Both proud graduates of Slippery Rock University, Mr. Burton and Dr. Hartbauer, reconnected years later through another educational leadership collaborative, which helped spark the creation of WPALC. Their shared passion for supporting and developing school leaders led to the formation of this initiative, focused on connecting, coaching, and inspiring educators across the region.
At WPALC, we believe strong leadership transforms schools. Our mission is to equip today’s and tomorrow’s educational leaders with the tools, strategies, and networks needed to drive lasting success.