Washington, D.C. (March 12, 2018) –– The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Board of Directors has named Carissa Moffat Miller as its next executive director, effective March 19. She will become the first woman to serve as the organization’s executive director in its 90-year history.
“After an extensive search, we recognize Carissa is the best person to lead the Council of Chief State School Officers and carry forward our organization’s vision to create an equitable education system for every child in this country,” said Carey M. Wright, CCSSO’s Board President and Mississippi Superintendent of Education. “Carissa is a proven leader who has strong experience at the state and national levels across K-12 and higher education. She is committed not only to the vision but to the work necessary to turn this vision into a reality.”
Miller currently serves as Interim Executive Director at CCSSO. Prior to that, she served as CCSSO’s Deputy Executive Director of Membership and Outreach for five years. Before joining CCSSO in 2013, she was a deputy superintendent at the Idaho State Department of Education and led the implementation of statewide online testing for the Idaho State Board of Education.
“I am humbled, honored and incredibly excited to serve as the next leader of CCSSO and represent the nation’s state education leaders,” Miller said. “As a first-generation college graduate, I know how important education is to opening doors and providing opportunities. I remain deeply committed to ensuring every child, across background and income level, has the same opportunity to succeed and thrive.”
Miller continued, “CCSSO will remain committed to creating a better, more equitable education system that prepares every child for college, careers, and life, especially for our most vulnerable students. We will accomplish this by coming together as state leaders and taking collective action that is focused on what is best for students.”
CCSSO’s previous executive director stepped down in January after nearly five years to become CEO of NWEA. CCSSO’s Board of Directors, which manages the overall business affairs of the Council and is the governing body of the organization, conducted an extensive national search for the organization’s next executive director before selecting Miller.
The news was welcomed from members of CCSSO as well as partner organizations.
Kristen Amundson, President and CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Education, said, “Carissa is a strong, trusted leader and partner. She knows how to build relationships and work with many organizations and individuals to find the best solutions to support all our nation’s children.”
“Carissa is an exceptional leader for CCSSO at this critical moment, when state leaders are shining and working to achieve better outcomes for all students in America,” said Jeremy Anderson, President of the Education Commission of the States. “She has proven experience at the state and national levels, and is adept at working with all political parties to forge partnerships, advocate for state leaders, and grow and lead an amazing team to support state education leaders as they focus on improving education outcomes for all students.”
A full biography of Carissa Moffat Miller is available below and on CCSSO’s website.
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About Carissa Moffat Miller
Carissa Moffat Miller became the Executive Director of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) on March 19, 2018. Known for her deep understanding of education policy at the state and national levels, Carissa is committed to working with state chiefs to ensure all students have the opportunity to graduate from high school prepared for college, careers and life.
Carissa previously served as the Deputy Executive Director of Membership and Outreach at CCSSO where she oversaw all work of the membership services, leadership academy, advocacy, communications, and data and information services departments. Prior to joining CCSSO in 2013, Carissa served as a deputy superintendent at the Idaho State Department of Education and led the implementation of statewide online testing for the Idaho State Board of Education.
As a first-generation college graduate, Carissa understands the importance of education, and works every day to make sure every child has the same opportunity to succeed and thrive. She holds a Ph.D. in education from the University of Idaho, a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Wyoming, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
About CCSSO
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.
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