Schools in Washington State had a smattering of computers that were used for instruction and were mostly disconnected from any network when the author joined the state's K-12 public education agency in 1989. It was clear that state educators needed to see beyond the dazzle of slide decks produced by seven-year-olds and reconceptualize the use of educational technology as a dynamic partner for teachers and learners. Today, 99.7% of public school classrooms in Washington State have networked Internet connectivity; the ratio of students to computers with Internet connectivity is four to one; and in 133 of 295 districts, academic standards for educational technology are mandatory. It's been a long haul, helped tremendously by a surfeit of talent and expertise at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and in the field at the state's Educational Technology Support Centers (ETSCs). This giant leap forward is due in large part to the steady, behind-the-scenes advocacy of the directors of nine regional offices in the ETSC program. The author had the chance to catch up with one of the ETSC directors recently and get his perspectives on technology integration. This article presents an interview with Pete Phillips who oversees the ETSC at North Central Educational Service District. He sits on the executive team for the district, which sets direction and handles day-to-day operations.