A New Era for IPEN
On behalf of the International Positive Education Network (IPEN) Board, and following a global search that attracted applications from more than 25 countries, it is with great pleasure that I announce that Dana Fulwiler Volk, MAPP, MEd, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Positive Education Network (IPEN) commencing February 2026.
Dana is an outstanding and passionate wellbeing and education leader with two decades of experience spanning K-12, higher education, non-profit, government, and entrepreneurial sectors. Residing in Canada, Dana holds a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania – where she also served as an Assistant Instructor – and a Master of Education, where her award-nominated research centred on building sustainable school cultures of wellbeing. Dana is widely recognised for her creative and strategic abilities, her capacity to turn ideas into impactful action, and her commitment to creating systems where individuals and communities can flourish.
As Co-Founder of Teacher Fan Club, Dana has scaled an educator wellbeing and gratitude movement through an internationally-recognised podcast and partnerships with Major League Baseball teams, the Greater Good Science Center, and global influencers and organisations. She is an experienced facilitator, program designer, and speaker who has led large-scale appreciative inquiries in education and corporate settings, co-designed and researched innovative professional learning models, and taught in Canada’s first mandatory wellbeing course for pre-service teachers. Dana is proud of the thousands of students she has taught – from grades 7-12 through to undergraduate and graduate levels – many of whom she remains gratefully connected to today, including those who are now educators themselves.
In accepting the role, Dana shared:
I am deeply honoured to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer at the International Positive Education Network. IPEN has been a meaningful part of my own journey as an educator and wellbeing advocate, and it is a true privilege to now guide its next chapter of global impact. I’m inspired by the extraordinary educators, students, leaders, researchers, practitioners, families, and organizations that make up this global community – and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to collaborate, learn, and build alongside you. We have an exciting opportunity to elevate the incredible work already happening around the world and to imagine new possibilities for wellbeing, character, and resilience in our global education ecosystem. I’m grateful for the trust that has been placed in me as we grow this movement with purpose and hope, creating more opportunities for people and communities to flourish.
Dana brings a values-driven, relational, and globally informed approach to leadership – one that aligns deeply with IPEN’s mission. The Board looks forward to Dana’s stewardship as IPEN expands its global reach and supports the growth and development of regional organisations, and continues to champion positive education worldwide. We are thrilled that Dana will be working with IPEN on its goal to support educational stakeholders so that individuals, communities and societies flourish.
Please join me in congratulating Dana on her exciting new role at IPEN.
– Anne Johnstone, Global Chair, International Positive Education Network
Join the Movement
As part of this next chapter, IPEN is inviting educators, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and organisational leaders to help shape the future of the network:
Complete Our Brief Community Survey
- Share your voice and priorities for IPEN’s growth. Those who complete the survey by March 18, 2026 will be entered into a draw to win complimentary tickets to the upcoming IPPA Virtual Summit on AI and the Future of Wellbeing.
- Complete the Survey Here: https://forms.gle/Hs3ZWyqAAuvMHRm3A
- Become part of a growing global community spanning 72+ countries. Members receive exclusive opportunities, including access to partner discounts, convenings, and global collaboration initiatives.
- Join IPEN: https://ipenglobal.com/join-us/
- Explore IPEN’s mission, vision, and global impact on our About page.
- Visit the About Page: https://ipenglobal.com/about
Comments +