ATLANTA — Governor John Carney of Delaware will serve a second one-year term as chair of the Southern Regional Education Board. He was re-elected on June 11 in a virtual meeting of the Board’s Executive Committee.

Governor Carney leads the collaborative work of governors, legislators and state education leaders on SREB’s 80-member Board to improve public education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education.

“I’m looking forward to serving as chair of SREB for another year,” Governor Carney said. “This work is as critical as ever, given the toll this pandemic has taken on our students and educators. Working with the great team at SREB, we will work to ensure every child has the supports they need to be successful.”

During a special SREB online event on June 16, Governor Carney said he’s “optimistic about the future of our states and our region.”

Joined by Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama and Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia for the event, Governor Carney said he agreed to serve another year as the SREB Chair after a year when leaders couldn’t gather in person.

“Let’s work together as a region,” Governor Carney said. “You can help us really do the most important job of our state governments, which is to educate the next generation so we can all have economic success for our families and the individuals of our states.”

“We are incredibly grateful for Governor Carney’s leadership during this critical time for education,” said SREB President Stephen L. Pruitt. “He has been instrumental in bringing states together to share what’s working as schools and colleges navigate a fast-changing environment, never losing sight of the importance of equity.”

Also, Dr. Felicia Cumings Smith of Kentucky was elected the vice chair of the Board. Currently the senior director, U.S. Regions, for National Geographic, Smith’s career has spanned a variety of leadership roles in P-12, higher education, non-profit, and philanthropy organizations. She began her career as a classroom teacher and has taught in the teacher preparation program at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Smith has served on the SREB Board since 2020.

“I’m thrilled to step into the role of vice chair after working alongside SREB spurring innovation in the region for over a decade,” Dr. Smith said. “I believe in the organization’s mission and its impact over time, and I’m convinced even greater accomplishments lie ahead for states and communities across the region.”

Senator Robert H. Plymale of West Virginia was re-elected the treasurer of the Board. A member of the West Virginia legislature since 1993, he has been an SREB Board member since 2003.

“I am honored to continue to serve as the treasurer of SREB,” Senator Plymale said. “In the post-COVID-pandemic era, SREB’s expertise in policy, school improvement and educating the workforce are needed by each member state now more than any time since organization was founded in 1948.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Alan Richard, (404) 879-5528