The Commission
Commissioners serve as state representatives for Education Commission of the States and provide leadership for the organization and their own states’ education agendas. Collectively, the organization and staff are an extension of a Commissioner’s education policy team. 

Commissioners
Role

Commissioners help guide Education Commission of the States’ work and their own state’s education agendas. Commissioners play an active role in facilitating two-way communication between states and Education Commission of the States.

Who They Are

The Commission comprises seven members from each state and territory. In most states, these appointees include the governor, four individuals appointed by the governor and a representative from each chamber of the state’s legislature. Often, gubernatorial appointees include the head of the state education agency, the governor’s education policy advisor, a representative from higher education, a state board member, and/or industry and community partners. However, state statute governing each of these appointments can vary across the states.

Current Commissioner Representation
Role of a Commissioner [PDF]
Steering Committee
Role

Steering Committee members serve as the leader of their state’s delegation of appointed Commissioners.

Who They Are

One Commissioner from each state serves a two-year term on the Steering Committee, which maintains broad oversight of the organization and is the primary policy-setting body of Education Commission of the States. Prospective Steering Committee members, who must be current Commissioners, are approved by the Nominating Committee.

Current Steering Committee Representation
Role of a Steering Committee Member [PDF]

Standing Committees
Role

Three standing committees — comprising four to eight Commissioners selected by the Education Commission of the States Chair — advise the work of the Executive Committee.

Who They ARe
Finance
Committee

Advises the Executive Committee on the annual audit, budget, strategic financial policies, investment strategies and policies, and changes in accounting practices.

National Forum Planning Committee

Collaborates with Education Commission of the States staff on the overall design and desired outcomes of the National Forum on Education Policy.

Nominating
Committee

Nominates Education Commission of the States’ officers, Steering Committee members, and recipients of annual awards and recognitions.

Executive Committee
Role

The Executive Committee provides strategic direction and oversight for the management, operations and financial policies of Education Commission of the States. The President shall be hired by, report to and serve at the pleasure of the Executive Committee. Members of the Executive Committee serve two-year terms.

Who They are

Chair

A governor who presides at all Education Commission of the States’ meetings and can select an education issue as their priority focus during their term. The Chair alternates between Democratic and Republican governors every two years.

Chair-Elect

A governor who works closely with the chair during the last year of the chair’s term and succeeds the chair. The chair-elect is of the opposite party of the chair.

Vice Chair

A state legislator whose duties are delegated by the chair and include serving as chair in the event of the chairs’ absence. The vice chair is of the opposite party of the chair.

Treasurer

The Treasurer has general responsibility for the funds of the Commission and for reviewing financial reports. This position is not limited to an education leader role group.

Immediate Past Chair

A governor and the outgoing chair. 

Secretary

The president of Education Commission of the States performs the duties of secretary and serves as a nonvoting officer.

Up to 5 additional members of the Steering Committee serve on the Executive Committee.

Commissioners by State
Who We Are
Your Education Policy Team
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