Chiefs for Change (CFC) CEO Michael Magee today announced that four new education Chiefs have joined the organization. Mike Magee said CFC’s board unanimously approved all four new members.
“In the age of ESSA, student success depends on state and district Chiefs now more than ever,” John White, CFC Board Chair and Louisiana State Superintendent of Education said. “These four new members have demonstrated a deep commitment to equity and have implemented strategic, innovative policies and practices that we can all learn from.”
“These leaders are focused on empowering students, families, teachers, and school leaders. These Chiefs will help us continue to advocate for students across the country, and we look forward to working closely with each of them,” Magee said.
The four new members are:
Mitchell Chester: Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Massachusetts
Eric Gordon: Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Ohio
Christina Kishimoto: Superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools, Arizona
Robert Runcie: Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools, Florida
These four Chiefs have a reputation for innovative and strategic leadership pushing hard to make every student ready to take on the demands of college and the workplace.
Mitchell Chester / Massachusetts
“It is very important that we work together to truly prepare our students for college and careers. I look forward to working with the other Chiefs on scaling emerging, innovative practices and preparing to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act in our state.”
Eric Gordon / Cleveland, Ohio
“It’s a privilege to join forces with colleagues across the country and align the work we are doing individually and collectively to raise student achievement. I look forward to working with this diverse group of leaders to explore solutions to the challenges our students face and to effect meaningful change on a national scale.”
Christina Kishimoto / Gilbert, Arizona
“Chiefs for Change is an organization of thought leaders who are willing to think critically about effective school design, policy structures, and governance. Their collective goal is to ensure strong leadership focused on education access, equity, and engagement for all students. It is a point of pride and commitment to join this group of national leaders of excellence.”
Robert Runcie / Broward County, Florida
“I am honored to join Chiefs for Change and continue to empower local leadership and to engage our community to shape and improve educational outcomes for students. Joining this leadership community allows me to collaborate and share best practices focused on creating the best opportunities for students.”
Active Chiefs for Change Members
Stars = District Chiefs, Blue States = State Chiefs
We now have 24 members total:
Malika Anderson: Superintendent of the Achievement School District, Tennessee
Robert Avossa: Superintendent of Palm Beach County Schools, Florida
Desmond K. Blackburn: Superintendent of Brevard County Schools, Florida
Chris Barbic: Former Superintendent of the Achievement School District, Tennessee
Tom Boasberg: Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, Colorado
Steve Canavero: Superintendent of Public Instruction, Nevada
Christopher D. Cerf: Superintendent of Newark Public Schools, New Jersey
Mitchell D. Chester: Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Massachusetts
Veronica Conforme: Chancellor of the Education Achievement Authority, Michigan
Dale Erquiaga: Former Superintendent of Public Instruction, Nevada
Lewis D. Ferebee: Superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools, Indiana
Deborah A. Gist: Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, Oklahoma
Eric Gordon: Chief Executive Officer, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Ohio
Barbara Jenkins: Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, Florida
Hanseul Kang: State Superintendent of Education, District of Columbia
Christina M. Kishimoto: Superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools, Arizona
Mike Miles: Former Superintendent of Dallas Independent School District, Texas
Mark Murphy: Former Secretary of Education, Delaware
Robert W. Runcie: Superintendent of Broward County Public Schools, Florida
Hanna Skandera: Secretary of Education, New Mexico
Brad Smith: Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Utah
John White: State Superintendent of Education, Louisiana
Antwan Wilson: Superintendent of Oakland Unified School District, California
Carey M. Wright: State Superintendent of Education, Mississippi
