Denver—Education policy expert Jane Best has joined Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) as Vice President of Governmental Relations.
Best will represent McREL to state and federal policymakers, associations, and other national organizations. She will also advocate for continued federal investments in education research and development.
Her experience in education policy includes serving as a policy associate for the Peabody Center for Leadership, Policy, and Organizations at Vanderbilt University, for the Vanderbilt University Office of Federal Affairs in Washington, D.C., and for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. She was also a senior policy specialist in the education program at the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver and, most recently, a senior policy associate for the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest at Learning Point Associates in Chicago. Best holds a Ph.D. in higher education leadership and policy studies from Vanderbilt University.
“I have long been aware of the national reputation McREL brings to the landscape of education research and practice. I am honored and excited to contribute my skills at such a dynamic time for education policy in this country,” said Best.
McREL President and CEO Tim Waters said, “We’re thrilled that Dr. Best has decided to join McREL’s leadership team. She brings a keen understanding of legislative and political processes as well as educational reform issues. We are confident she will help shape policies to further McREL’s vision to change the odds for children everywhere and for the adults who serve them.”
###
McREL is a Denver-based, nationally recognized, private, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving education for all students through applied research, product development and service.
