Michigan Virtual added an accomplished business strategist to its leadership team with the hiring of Ray Batt as Vice President of Business Strategy.
Batt has over 25 years of service delivery, operations and general management experience, including the past six years at RR Donnelley, a leading integrated communications services provider, where he was vice president of sales. Before that, he was at Bowne & Co., Inc., which Donnelley acquired in 2010. Batt plans to use his experience to help Michigan Virtual determine what its stakeholders need today and what they will need tomorrow while helping Michigan Virtual maintain its leadership position in online learning.
“Ray has more than two decades of successful executive leadership experience in the business world. His accomplishments in strategic planning, service delivery excellence, business development, management and innovation are impressive,” Jamey Fitzpatrick, President & CEO of Michigan Virtual, said. “Michigan school districts will benefit from Ray’s expertise, as well as from his passion for capturing the voice of the customer in guiding Michigan Virtual’s future product and service development efforts.”
Michigan Virtual, Michigan’s online learning leader, offers online courses to middle and high school students and professional development solutions to Michigan educators. Through its online school, Michigan Virtual for Students, and online and blended learning research arm, the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, Michigan Virtual advances personalized education for all learners.
Batt said he’s ready to move to the nonprofit world after years of working for large public companies.
“I am thrilled and excited to be part of a team that is having a positive impact on young lives by bringing them access to educational opportunities and learning options through technology,” he said.
Batt will help Michigan Virtual assess its current products and services and look toward developing innovative online solutions for students and educators.
“After a successful career at companies with headquarters outside of Michigan, I am very excited about the opportunity to work for a Michigan-based organization that is a recognized leader in making learning accessible and pertinent to its constituents.”
About Michigan Virtual
Michigan Virtual is a private, nonprofit Michigan corporation established by the State of Michigan in 1998 to serve as a champion for online learning. It is the parent organization of the Michigan Virtual for Students and Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute.
