Reno Palombit, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS), has been named the 2024-2025 North Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education (NCACTE) CTE Administrator of the Year for the North Central Region. Palombit joined JCPS in 2019 as a CTE Workforce Development Specialist and became director in 2021.
The NCACTE Excellence Awards are presented annually at the North Carolina CTE Summer Conference to recognize professionals who demonstrate leadership, support teacher and student success, and contribute to innovative CTE programs.
Palombit’s background includes participation in his high school’s Culinary Arts Pathway, which he credits with shaping his career. He completed internships and an apprenticeship at the executive dining room atop the Bank of America Corporate Center in Charlotte. His mentor, Mrs. Barbara Cannon, encouraged him to join Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), leading him to serve as both a state and national officer.
“She was the best role model and saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Palombit said. “She presented me with many wonderful opportunities.”
After working in food service, Palombit decided to become a teacher so he could give back to students through CTE programs. He earned degrees in Family and Consumer Sciences Education and Career and Technical Education.
“Going into Family and Consumer Sciences blended both,” Palombit remarked. “I was able to stay involved in FCCLA and teach culinary arts, and still express that love of food and how it brings people together, while also giving back and making an impact in students’ lives.”
JCPS’s CTE program aims to expand students’ options for careers or college after graduation by providing specialized instruction from educators who focus on various career fields. The department emphasizes preparing every graduate with a plan for their future along with necessary skills.
A key initiative is JOCO WORKS, which offers career readiness experiences for students from eighth through twelfth grade. This includes curriculum components, hands-on activities, and opportunities for real-world exploration such as JOCO WORKS World of Work (WOW), JOCO WORKS NOW, and JOCO WORKS PRO.
“We design programs and opportunities that allow students throughout their educational journey to learn their strengths, interests, preferences, and needs, and explore which careers align with the vision they have for their lives,” said Palombit.
According to preliminary figures for 2024-2025, nearly 7,000 credentials were earned by JCPS CTE students—almost double what was achieved three years ago—reflecting efforts by Palombit’s team toward continuous improvement.
“That’s what has always driven me. What do we need to do to take CTE to the next level, what’s innovative?” said Palombit.
