After an extensive search, the Arizona State Board of Education selected Alicia Williams, in a unanimous vote, as the new Executive Director of the State Board of Education. Ms. Williams will succeed Dr. Karol Schmidt, who announced in August that she will transition from her current Executive Director role to accept another position.
Ms. Williams joined the Board staff in July 2016 and served as the Deputy Director of Policy and Initiatives. Tim Carter, President of the Board, stated “Ms. Williams’ time as Deputy Director will allow for the seamless transition into her new role and allow her to hit the ground running. Dr. Schmidt and Ms. Williams will work side-by-side over the next month, prior to Dr. Schmidt moving on to another opportunity. As I have worked with Ms. Williams on numerous occasions throughout the State of Arizona, I believe she has strong knowledge and practice in K-12 education and understands the important role of the State Board. Ms. Williams’ charismatic personality, her ability to build collaborative, strong relationships and her willingness to be of service, will be an asset to the State Board.”
“While excited for Ms. Williams’ continued service to the State Board in this new capacity, we acknowledge that Dr. Schmidt, her extensive historical knowledge of the State Board and P-20 education, will be a tough act to follow,” Vice President Luke Narducci noted. “Dr. Schmidt has built a knowledgeable Board staff team, and we are confident that Ms. Williams and Catcher Baden will continue with the State Board’s work to foster excellence in public education. Ms. Williams is a confident, young leader who will work diligently to grow State Board relationships with teachers, parents, schools, the Arizona Department of Education, the Legislature and the other various educational stakeholders within Arizona. The State Board wishes Dr. Schmidt great success in her new endeavor and welcomes Ms. Williams as our new Executive Director.”
In recognition of her new position, Ms. Williams stated, “I look forward to working with the various educational stakeholders in Arizona and I am honored to continue to serve the State Board in this new role, as the State Board continues its efforts to increase student achievement.”
