Kim Anderson Named Executive Director of National Education Association
The Alexandria resident is the first woman and first person of color to hold the position.
Alexandria, VA – National Education Association (NEA) President Lily Eskelsen Garcia announced yesterday the appointment of Kim Anglin Anderson as executive director. Anderson becomes the 12th person to hold the position in the organization’s history. More significant, she is the first woman and person of color to assume the role.
“In our search for a new executive director, we wanted a leader who shared our values and whose commitment to our mission was equal to our own,” said Garcia. “The leader had to be an exceptional strategic thinker and have a deep understanding of the strengths and needs of our members and students. In choosing Kim Anderson, we have more than achieved those goals.”
For the last three years, Anderson – an Alexandria resident who believes strongly in social justice and empowering others – served as the executive vice president of Democracy Alliance. In that role she gained valuable experience in collaborative problem solving that will undoubtedly serve her well as a public figure.
John Stocks, the NEA’s current executive director who will leave the position to become an advisor on September 1, calls Anderson “a catalyst for progress.”
Anderson said she is grateful to be home. For 28 years she aided NEA members and students, serving in a number of ways. As a staff lobbyist, she spoke before Congress to advocate for NEA members. She also secured funding for students, healthcare, and education jobs. Anderson is the founder of the NEA’s Center for Advocacy and Outreach.
“The pursuit of education equity and excellence has always been my greatest passion and I am committed to building on NEA’s strategic vision through collaborative partnerships with our leaders, staff, affiliates, and our many allies,” said Anderson in a statement focused on the future of education.
“NEA has been the greatest champion of public education that America has ever known. And I also believe that NEA, through the passion, knowledge, and organizing of its members, is one of the most critical institutions to the maintenance of our democracy.”
