SED details qualifications of next commissioner


On Board Online • February 9, 2015

By Eric D. Randall
Editor-in-Chief

The Board of Regents has hired the Boston-based executive search firm of Isaacson, Miller to help the Regents find the state's next commissioner of education.

Isaacson, Miller helped the University at Albany hire its senior vice president for academic affairs and provost (James Steller, formerly of Queens College). It also helped the College Board hire its last two presidents - Gaston Caperton, a former governor of West Virginia, and David Coleman, sometimes called the "architect" of Common Core State Standards.

According to a search notice, the Regents are looking for "a visionary leader to manage the state's educational resources to foster excellence for all students, ensure that all students graduate high school ready for college and careers in our global society, close the achievement gap, and raise the state's graduation rate."

The commissioner will be in charge of "the University of the State of New York," which includes K-16 education, libraries, museums, public broadcasting and licensed professions.

Qualifications include:

  • "Demonstrated experience in identifying, developing and implementing creative solutions to challenges confronting education at all levels."
  • "A commitment to diversity; an ability to work effectively with and value the perspectives of all groups and individuals."
  • "Proven experience leading a large, complex organization and enhancing the ways in which staff development, organizational change, fiscal accountability and technology are used to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction."
  • "A strong ability to effectively communicate with, motivate and lead staff and stakeholders, including the public, toward excellence."
  • "Proven experience working with a board to effect change through policy development and shared governance."
  • "Experience working with local, state and federal elected officials."

"Pluses" include experience managing initiatives with "multiple external stakeholders" and "demonstrated commitment to enhancing the role of education in economic development."




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