IMESD Board Appoints Aimee VanNice as Next Superintendent
PENDLETON, OR. — The InterMountain Education Service District (IMESD) Board of Directors voted unanimously at its October 21 meeting to appoint Aimee VanNice as the agency’s next superintendent, effective July 1, 2027. VanNice has served IMESD as Director of Human Resources since 2021 and Assistant Superintendent since 2023, and brings 26 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and central office leader.
The appointment follows a months-long process that began after Dr. Mark Mulvihill announced his retirement in August. The Board held listening sessions with regional superintendents, IMESD leadership, and IMESD directors, received public comment, identified the qualities and qualifications for the role based on the data gathered, and adopted a process and calendar for the selection before conducting reference checks and interviews.
A career built in classrooms and schools
VanNice began teaching in California’s Palm Springs Unified School District and later taught in Oregon’s Bend-La Pine School District, earning Teacher of the Year honors in 2004 and 2012. She became a principal in the Pendleton School District in 2012, leading McKay Creek Elementary and later Washington Elementary, where she brought together students, families, and staff from three schools to build one community. Under her leadership, Washington Elementary was one of 20 schools nationwide selected to implement the School Wide Integrated Framework for Transformation (SWIFT).
Leadership at IMESD
As Director of Human Resources, VanNice led recruitment, retention, workforce planning, and labor relations, and expanded access to HR services across districts. As Assistant Superintendent, she has overseen the agency’s Information Technology, Instructional Services, and Facilities Directors, partnered with the Cabinet on organizational and financial decisions, and led development of IMESD’s “Look to the Future” initiative. She also serves on the Oregon Association of Education Service Districts (OAESD) Program Cabinet and several local boards, and previously served as Eastern Oregon Regional Coordinator and an instructor for the Lewis & Clark College Principal Program.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named the next superintendent,” said VanNice. “Working for the IMESD over the last five years has shown me how special the organization and people we serve are. I look forward to continuing to build on the strong work of the agency.”
What’s next?
Dr. Mulvihill will continue as IMESD’s superintendent through June 30, 2027, and will assist VanNice as she prepares to step into the role.
“The IMESD board is to be commended for its process and selection of Aimee as the next IMESD superintendent. Aimee is a unique talent who combines skill and experience with a relentless work ethic. She is an outstanding education leader who will make a significant impact on the region. Aimee is the right choice at the right time.” — Dr. Mark Mulvihill, IMESD Superintendent
IMESD will also host a meet and greet this spring for districts and staff to welcome VanNice in her new role. Details will be shared once they are finalized.