How It All Began
The Vernier story started in a classroom. As a high school physics and physical science teacher, company co-founder Dave Vernier knew firsthand the importance of hands-on STEM learning. During his time as a teacher, Dave spent his summers creating tools to help bring science to life for his students. His creativity and passion for science education—combined with the business acumen of his wife and company co-founder, Christine—led to the launch of Vernier Software & Technology in 1981.
Dave was the company’s CEO for more than 30 years. In 2022, the company was renamed Vernier Science Education to more accurately reflect its dedication to hands-on STEM learning, and Vernier also transitioned from being partner owned to being owned by a Perpetual Purpose Trust.
Vernier Today
Jill Hedrick became the CEO of Vernier in March 2024. A leader in education technology for more than a decade, she is dedicated to building on the company’s long history of innovation and partnership with science educators. Jill started at Vernier shortly after the company’s transition to a Perpetual Purpose Trust. Her wealth of leadership experience and knowledge, combined with her commitment to science education and teachers, continues to anchor Vernier in its core mission and values during this new organizational chapter.
Becoming a Perpetual Purpose Trust for a Sustainable Future
In September 2023, Vernier evolved from a partner-owned company to a company owned by a Perpetual Purpose Trust. This transition allows us to ensure values-aligned ownership succession and long-term sustainability. According to Dave Vernier, “This company has always been driven by a deep commitment to advancing STEM education. By transitioning to a Perpetual Purpose Trust, we’re reaffirming our dedication to our mission and values for generations to come.”
As an Oregon Benefit Company, we further reinforce the commitments of our Perpetual Purpose Trust by embedding our social and environmental purpose into how we operate and make decisions.