MII Team

Geoffrey Orsak is an energetic, passionate, and collaborative leader who successfully develops and executes bold ideas. The impact of his work as an educator and researcher has been recognized in the national media and through a variety of professional awards. Over the past quarter century, Dr. Orsak has served as the President of a Tier 1 Research University, Dean of the Lyle School of Engineering, and Professor of Engineering at SMU and GMU. As an educator, Dr. Orsak was named the first National Educator of the Year for Science and Engineering by EE Times Magazine, as well as numerous additional teaching awards. As a researcher, Dr. Orsak was named IEEE Fellow, the highest international recognition that can be achieved by an Electrical Engineer. He has also successfully lead more than 30 major funded research, technology, and education projects.  Dr. Orsak has also been a successful fund raiser, having raised more that $120M in private and corporate gifts. As a much sought after public speaker, Dr. Orsak has on multiple occasions addressed the US Congress, a US Presidential Commission on Competitiveness, major research and education conferences, numerous corporate retreats, and a wide variety of leadership and community groups. He received his BSEE, MEE, and PhD from Rice University in Electrical Engineering.

Throughout her career, Polly McKeithen has managed staff and volunteers to build affiliation groups and create successful, targeted, and meaningful programs for various educational, arts and health agencies. She has many years of experience serving as a liaison between the business community and those for whom she advocates. As part of the Moody Innovation Institute, Polly has built professional education programs that prepare students for post-secondary education with industry-relevant skills. Her leadership skills allow her to work efficiently with staff, volunteers and stakeholders, to envision and convey organizational priorities that incentivize ownership and action. Prior to joining HPISD, Polly McKeithen worked as Vice President in the family business and served the community in many leadership roles for the Highland Park schools where her daughters were enrolled as well as civic organizations including La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, Children’s Medical Center, Preservation Park Cities and Highland Park Education Foundation.  She received a BA in American History from Davidson College and is Coursework Completed for an MA in History and Children’s Lit. from SMU.  

Bridget Myers has a passion for engaging students in STEAM lessons and finding their interests through challenging, hands-on lessons. She has a Bachelors in Health Education from Texas A&M University and a Masters in Instructional Design from American College of Education with a professional background in STEM education.  Bridget has helped train teachers in classroom technology and lesson planning by implementing educational technology to support teaching and learning. She is excited by researching and incorporating the latest trends and needs in different STEAM industries. Before working in MAPS, Bridget taught Engineering Basics, Digital Media, Science and Health during her 9 years at Highland Park Middle School. She also served as the Instructional Team Lead for CTE classes and has experience in teaching Robotics. She will continue in this role until her replacement has been found.

Jill Lewis joins the Moody Innovation Institute after serving HP Athletics and the Clements Leadership Center.  Prior to joining HPISD, Jill was the Executive Creative Producer for the Dallas Mavericks and a freelance Stage Manager for the Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, Dallas Cowboys, FC Dallas and Fox Sports Net. During her Mavericks tenure, she created the in-arena show, supported the broadcast with original content, and produced the league show when the Mavericks first advanced to the NBA finals.  She was also a Stage Manager for ESPN during the Texas Rangers two World Series appearances.  After moving into the district in 2014, Jill was a volunteer at MIS/HPMS and later HPHS.  She and her son served in the University Park chapter of YMSL where they were fortunate to participate with numerous local charities.  Jill currently serves as a volunteer with the Highland Park United Methodist Church Prayer Tower.  Jill Lewis received her Bachelor of Arts in Radio, Television and Film from the University of North Texas and a Master of Liberal Arts from SMU.