HOUSTON, TX – July 14, 2025 — Data Projections, Inc., a leading Texas-based audio-visual integration firm, proudly announces the appointment of Darlene Rankin as its new Education Business Development Manager. With more than two decades of experience in educational technology, strategic partnerships, and instructional leadership, Rankin will play a key role in advancing Data Projections’ mission to enhance learning through innovative AV solutions across Texas.
Rankin brings a distinguished career that includes serving as Director of Innovation and Instructional Technology at Katy Independent School District in the Greater Houston Area for twenty-four years. Prior to Katy ISD, she gained valuable experience as a teacher and technology coordinator at both Montgomery and Huntsville ISD. She has spent her career championing the integration of cutting-edge technologies that promoted digital equity, increased student engagement, and improved learning outcomes. She is widely recognized for her ability to bridge the gap between pedagogy and technology, fostering effective collaboration between educators and technology providers.
In addition to leadership roles in the school districts she served, Rankin has been actively involved in shaping the future of educational technology through service and advocacy. As an active member of the Texas Education Technology Leaders (TETL), the Texas chapter of the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), she has served as TETL Advocate to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to support digital learning initiatives. She has also served as a board member for 1EdTech Consortium and held positions on the advisory boards for HMH and SMART Technologies. Additionally, she held the position of Co-Chair for the Texas ESC Region 4 Instructional Technology Leaders Large District Consortium.
Educational technology looks almost nothing like it did in 2000 when Rankin came to Katy ISD. Her dedication to innovation in education earned her national recognition, including being named one of the “Top 20 to Watch Educators” by the National School Boards Association (NSBA) in 2011.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Darlene to the Data Projections team,” said Matthew Zaleski, President of Data Projections. “Her deep understanding of the Texas education landscape and her ability to drive impactful change through educational technology makes her an ideal fit for our education initiatives. Darlene’s insights will strengthen our partnerships and help us better serve the evolving needs of schools across the state.”
In her new role, Rankin will focus on expanding Data Projections’ presence within Texas’ education markets, consulting with schools to help them implement tailored AV technology solutions that support collaboration, accessibility, innovation, and student success.
About Data Projections, Inc.:
Founded in 1987, Data Projections has grown into a leader in the audio/visual solutions industry. With offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Lubbock and San Antonio, Data Projections focuses on the businesses and institutions that also call Texas home. Data Projections offers its clients the ability to connect with others, collaborate in innovative ways and simplify even the most technically complex processes.
Media Contact Information:
dpimarketing@dataprojections.com
