As was communicated in an email this morning to all Heartland staff, Dr. Maxine Kilcrease announced her resignation as chief administrator of Heartland AEA after close to three years with the Agency. She has accepted the position of executive director of the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB). The IASB board of directors voted unanimously to select Maxine as IASB’s next executive director. She will tentatively begin her duties around July 1, 2009, succeeding Dr. Ron Rice as executive director, who will retire on August 1, 2009.
The IASB board of directors believes Maxine will be a strong fit for their organization because she has worked in urban and rural districts and brings experience in financial management of both organizations and foundations. She has also served on numerous education boards and has a deep appreciation for the role of effective governance in public education.
IASB was also impressed with Maxine’s previous experience in education: her 30 years of experience in educational leadership, her assistant superintendency at the Portland Public Schools and her involvement in statewide education initiatives in her three years in Iowa.
Jack Hill, president of the IASB Board of Directors, said he is pleased that the national search produced a leader with such a rich background. “It took the board a little longer than anticipated to find a person with the qualifications, experiences and expertise we were looking for in our new executive director,” he said. “Dr. Kilcrease is extremely qualified to provide leadership that will help IASB continue to build upon the current focus on board leadership for improving public education. She has the knowledge and skills to work with school boards, superintendents, and other stakeholders across the state to increase achievement for all students.”
Maxine has a few words for Heartland staff as she prepares to leave the Agency:
I leave Heartland feeling the same way as when I joined the Agency three years ago. I know Heartland has an outstanding staff of professionals who are hardworking and passionate about their work. They are always on the cutting edge, care for each other and those they serve, are collaborative and are partners with those we serve. Every day Heartland staff members make a difference and can be satisfied that they are changing lives and creating opportunities to ensure equity and access to education.
I leave knowing that there is a clear focus on student achievement and that the Agency is strongly rooted in a new regional system of service delivery that has made a major difference for our students and families, staff, teachers, leaders and other partners. I know that there is a new and deeper understanding of cultural competence and that Heartland is a more diverse and inclusive workplace. It has been a privilege to serve at Heartland, and I am confident that the Agency will continue on the pathway to increased excellence.
I especially want to thank several groups:
• the leadership team at Heartland for their tremendous leadership in transforming the Agency.
• the advisory councils for their wisdom, advice and counsel.
• the board of directors for their high expectations, leadership, guidance and support.
I look forward to working collaboratively with the Agency in the future and supporting the work of Heartland and the area education agencies in any way possible.
Click here to listen to an audio message from Maxine.
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