Mike Ross named IAOTP Top Creative Leader & Founder of the Decade

The International Association of Top Professionals will honor Mike Ross at its December 2026 awards gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The recognition spotlights his work in creative services and education-focused nonprofit leadership through Future Forward Education.

Why it matters: - IAOTP’s decade-level honor puts Mike Ross in a rare category, with only one Top Creative Leader and Founder of the Decade selected. - The award highlights the growing overlap between creative technology work and education reform. - Ross’s recognition could raise visibility for Future Forward Education and its advocacy around student support, STEM access, and whole-family learning.

What happened: - IAOTP selected Mike Ross as Top Creative Leader & Founder of the Decade 2026. - IAOTP will honor Ross at its annual awards gala in December 2026 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. - Ross is identified as a creative leader, social impact CEO, developer, engineer, visual designer and award-winning solutions architect. - IAOTP said Ross was chosen for nearly two decades of experience in his field.

The details: - Ross is the founder and executive director of Future Forward Education, a nonprofit focused on education and youth support. - Future Forward Education works to improve educational outcomes by expanding access to resources, building strategic partnerships and tracking student progress through a whole-family approach. - The organization focuses on content standards, assessments, progress measurement, STEM accessibility, classroom health, student mental health and improved learning experiences. - Ross’s creative and technical work includes technical illustration, graphic design, web design and development, app design and development, branding and information design. - Ross studied Interactive Media and Web Design at the Center for Technology in high school. - IAOTP named Ross its Top Creative Leader of the Year last year. - Ross will also be considered for a feature in TIP Magazine this year. - More information is available in the awards gala listing and on Future Forward Education’s website.

Between the lines: - The award reflects a broader professional profile that combines technical design skills with social impact work. - IAOTP’s recognition often serves as a visibility platform, which may help amplify Ross’s education mission and professional brand. - Ross’s emphasis on mentorship and family support suggests the nonprofit’s work is aimed at both students and caregivers, not just classrooms.

What’s next: - Ross will be honored in December 2026 at IAOTP’s gala in New York City. - IAOTP’s planned magazine feature could further expand his exposure within the organization’s network. - Ross says he remains focused on empowering the next generation of creatives, innovators and leaders.

The bottom line: - IAOTP is using one of its top awards to spotlight a founder whose career bridges creative technology and education reform.