A Message from Our President & CEO

As I complete my first week as President & CEO of the Public School Forum of North Carolina after joining the organization on July 1, I want to express how honored I am to be part of an organization with such a distinguished history of championing strong public schools and expanding opportunity for every child in our state.

Over the past week, I have had the privilege of spending time with our exceptional staff, meeting with members of our Advisory Board, and beginning conversations with many of the Forum’s valued supporters, partners, and stakeholders across North Carolina. Each interaction has reinforced what makes the Public School Forum so special—a deep commitment to students, a spirit of collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the power of public education to transform lives.

I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. Lauren Fox for her steadfast leadership during the leadership transition. Her dedication and thoughtful stewardship have ensured the organization remained strong and well-positioned for the future. I am equally grateful to the entire Forum team for remaining focused on our mission and the North Star that has guided this organization for nearly four decades: advancing equitable educational opportunity and strengthening North Carolina’s public schools.

As we look ahead, I am excited about what we can accomplish together. We will continue building on the Forum’s trusted legacy of convening diverse voices, advancing thoughtful policy solutions, and creating meaningful opportunities that improve outcomes for students and communities across our state.

Thank you for the warm welcome you have extended to me. I look forward to listening, learning, and partnering with all of you as we write the next chapter of the Public School Forum’s story.

Great things are ahead, and I am excited for the journey we will take together.