RALEIGH
Apr 28, 2017
Governor Roy Cooper today announced three appointments to the Education Commission of the States.
“I am grateful to these education leaders for their service to North Carolina and their willingness to participate in this national effort to improve our schools, colleges and universities,” Gov. Cooper said. “I want North Carolinians to become better educated and this Commission can help us find new and innovative ways to achieve that goal.”
Governor Cooper has named:
Martez Hill as State Education Agency Representative. Hill serves as executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Education. He is responsible for providing policy advice to the 13 members of the State Board and managing the operations of the Office of the State Board of Education. Prior, Hill served as deputy superintendent for the Mississippi Department of Education.
Margaret Spellings as Commissioner At-Large. Spellings is president of the University of North Carolina System. From 2005 to 2009, she served as the U.S. Secretary of Education. Spellings previously served as president of the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, where she planned, managed, and implemented programs on economic growth, education reform, global health, and special initiatives focused on women and military service.
Dr. James C. Williamson as Commissioner At-Large. Williamson serves as president of the North Carolina Community College System. Prior, he served two years as the president and CEO of the South Carolina Technical College System. While there, he chaired a special Senate proviso committee to develop a comprehensive workforce development strategy to help close the skills gap. Williamson has served as a board member of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and on various economic development boards.
The Education Commission of the States is a national organization that brings together education leaders to collaborate and address education policy issues by sharing resources and expertise. Commissioners from each state provide strategic information regarding state education policy issues and have access to resources provided by the Commission.