The David McCurrach Distinguished Service Award was first presented in 1989 in honor of David McCurrach, who led the Association as Executive Director from 1952 to 1982. It remains the highest honor bestowed upon an active EDmarket member — awarded annually to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the Association and made lasting contributions to the educational facilities industry.
This year’s recipient, Jolene Levin, embodies the spirit of this award. A trailblazing designer and champion of collaborative learning environments, Jolene has made a profound impact across countless EDmarket initiatives. Over the years, she has served the Association in many leadership roles — beginning as a Council and Board member and culminating in her tenure as Chair of the Board in 2024.
A passionate ECLPS instructor and a powerful, driving force behind the Bold Women Collective, Jolene has hosted many of the Bold Women podcast interviews, amplifying the voices and stories of women shaping the future of learning design. Her creativity, leadership, and commitment continue to elevate both EDmarket and the broader learning environment community.
Read more about Jolene’s backstory and accomplishments.
“From the moment I met Jolene, it was clear she stood out. Her authenticity, energy, and passion set her apart, along with her relentless drive. Jolene didn’t enter our industry just to sell furniture — she came to create meaningful change that benefits students, teachers, and society as a whole.”
— Dainen Tolman, Business Furniture
“Jolene embodies the essence of leadership that uplifts others while driving meaningful change. Her work has redefined how we think about learning environments, and just as importantly, how we think about the people who shape them. Jolene sees the best in others and has a remarkable ability to create opportunities for people, especially women, to excel and lead. Her commitment to empowerment is genuine and deeply felt. Whether guiding conversations in the Bold Women Collective or championing innovative design through EDmarket initiatives, Jolene makes everyone in the room feel seen, valued, and essential to the work at hand. She reminds us that leadership in education is not only about shaping spaces for learning, but also about nurturing the people who bring those spaces to life.”
— Tammy A. Andreyko, Ed.D., Quaker Valley School District
“I’m so proud to see my friend and colleague, Jolene Levin, honored with this prestigious award. Jolene has been a constant source of inspiration and support, always leading with heart, humor, and kindness. Her authenticity shines through in everything she does, uplifting me and our industry along the way. This recognition is so well deserved, and I’m grateful to call her a friend.”
— Bryan Ballegeer, KI
“Jolene is a force. A force who works tirelessly for the benefit of the learner in their learning experiences and places. A seeker of knowledge. Someone not afraid to ‘go down the rabbit hole’ of discovery, and share those learning, or question them. Personally, she is a beautiful friend who is always there for you, a kindred spirit, soul mate, and someone who is dear to me. Jolene has put her heart and soul, and boundless energy into the work of EDmarket and we are all the better for it.”
— Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber, INSYNC:: Education Research + Design
“Jolene has reimagined leadership within the EDmarket industry — her visionary approach has not only transformed learning environments but helped shape the future of education itself. Her unmatched ability to champion women, cultivate collaboration, and design spaces where students and educators thrive continues to inspire us all.”
— Darlene Akers, Akers Business Solutions
In addition to being an industry legend, Jolene is mother to four amazing children and partner to husband, Avron. In an interview for Essentials in September 2021 Jolene said, “Our mission [in founding NorvaNivel in 2015) is a very personal one: to empower learners and educators now and into the future.
“Grounded in our own children’s future, and our promise to ready them for a world of unlimited opportunity. Each one of them, unique in every way, gives us an invaluable perspective on what makes truly engaging learning spaces. Spaces that speak to equity, grow children as people, and ignite a passion for discovery and knowledge resulting in a lifelong love of learning.”
