Dirk Mattson, Ph.D.
About Dirk Mattson, Ph.D.
Dirk Mattson, Ph.D., serves as the Executive Vice President of State Solution Delivery at NWEA, where he has worked since 2021. With extensive experience in educational assessment and a strong academic background, he focuses on enhancing service delivery and operational efficiencies in education.
Work at NWEA
Dirk Mattson, Ph.D., serves as the Executive Vice President of State Solution Delivery at NWEA, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he leads the ideation and development of innovative products and services, marking a significant milestone in the company's history. He manages a multi-million dollar budget and oversees a team of 250 resources. His focus is on enhancing the quality and efficiency of delivery systems, employing novel approaches to improve service delivery to stakeholders.
Education and Expertise
Dirk Mattson holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University, which he completed between 1996 and 2001. He also earned a Master of Science in English Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 1996. Additionally, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education—English and Social Studies from Concordia University-St. Paul in 1991. His educational background supports his expertise in educational assessment and operational efficiency.
Background
Before joining NWEA, Dirk Mattson worked at Educational Testing Service (ETS) in various roles, including General Manager of K12 Assessment Development from 2016 to 2020 and Executive Director of K12 Assessment from 2011 to 2016. He also served as Regional Vice President of Government Relations at Curriculum Associates for 11 months in 2020-2021. His experience spans over a decade in educational assessment and operational leadership.
Achievements
Dirk Mattson is recognized for his ability to streamline processes by identifying interdependencies and crafting sustainable solutions that deliver value efficiently. He has developed and maintained strong relationships with partner states to promote educational equity for all students. His precise and logical approach enables him to anticipate client needs, simplify complex concepts, and identify unintended consequences in educational delivery systems.