WIDA, Chief Operating Officer

WIDA, the preeminent provider of assessments and services for multilingual learners and their educators, and located at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Education, has named Dorene Uhrich as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. 

Uhrich previously served as Chief Operating Officer at MindPlay Education, a creator of online reading solutions for learners of all ages. Prior to MindPlay, she served as the Vice President of Education Success at MIND Research Institute, where led customer retention strategies as well as increased the organization’s customer base. She brings to WIDA a wealth of expertise in systems, operational leadership, and a deep understanding of organizations rooted in research and educational impact. 

Of her experience working with Isaacson, Miller, Dorene shares: “Throughout the interview process, the Isaacson, Miller team was incredibly supportive. They provided deep insights into WIDA’s current context and strategic direction, helping me understand the organization on a much deeper level. I was impressed by how thoroughly they understood WIDA—it truly felt as though they were an extension of WIDA’s HR team.

Now, three months into my role at WIDA, I’m energized by the work, the complexity of the challenges we’re addressing, and the opportunity to serve multilingual learners and their educators. I’m grateful to Isaacson, Miller for their thoughtful guidance and partnership throughout this journey.”

She holds a Master of Education from Colorado State University, and a Bachelor of Arts from California State University – Long Beach. She began her career in the classroom, where she learned first-hand how rewarding supporting multilingual learners can be.