Former New York City Department of Education Chief Operating Officer Veronica Conforme named EAA's Interim Chancellor
DETROIT, June 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Veronica Conforme, a former New York City public schools leader who ran the operations of America's largest school district, has been named Interim Chancellor of the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan by the reform district's board of directors. Conforme has been an advisor to the EAA since January.
Ms. Conforme served at the New York City Department of Education for over a decade, culminating in her appointment as Chief Operating Officer. She oversaw a $23 billion budget and 130,000 employees, directing organizational strategy, finance, technology, family and community engagement, fundraising, operations and communications. She was also Chief Financial Officer and the Deputy Chief Schools Officer, overseeing the day-to-day activities of the city's 1,700 public schools.
"During this time of transition, Veronica is the best candidate to lead the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan," said Joyce Hayes Giles, chairperson of the EAA Board of Directors. "She is a proven leader with outstanding academic and administrative capabilities; she has a vision for improving the educational experience of every student and strengthening the professional development of our teachers."
Ms. Conforme is a relentless advocate for students and has spent years working to ensure that all students have access to a high quality education. Her past roles have included serving as Vice President for the "Access to Opportunity" campaign at The College Board. Ms. Conforme led a campaign to ensure that students from low-income backgrounds participated in Advanced Placement courses and enrolled in colleges equipped to succeed.
"Veronica is one of the country's most capable educational leaders. She has precisely the right experience and talent, coupled with an unwavering commitment to educate all children, to transform a struggling urban school system," said Joel Klein, former New York City Schools' Chancellor. Klein worked with Ms. Conforme at New York City's Department of Education.
Ms. Conforme lives in Detroit with her husband. She holds a master's degree in public administration and public policy from Columbia University. She earned her bachelor's degree from Syracuse University.
A special committee of the board will immediately begin the search for a permanent Chancellor.
"I'm in love with this city, its history, and the pride and resiliency exhibited by everyone I have met," Ms. Conforme said. "I have had the opportunity to visit every school and see our dedicated teachers and leaders working to create better outcomes. The students continue to amaze me with their engagement, love of learning and hard work. It is a privilege to be selected for this role and advocate for the students of Detroit."
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SOURCE Education Achievement Authority of Michigan
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