Alexandria, VA (4/3/12)—ASCD, the global leader in providing programs, products, and services that empower educators to support the success of each learner, recently announced Debra A. Hill, associate professor at Argosy University, as the association’s new President. Hill took office at the conclusion of ASCD’s 67th Annual Conference and Exhibit Show in Philadelphia, Pa., on March 26.

“Around the world, education is in transition mode; we face complex, troublesome issues sometimes filled with ambiguity. Our profession is expected to do more, for so many more, in a world experiencing growth and changes that are occurring at an exponential rate,” said Hill. “My vision for ASCD and our members is that we individually, collectively, and as an organization continue leading the charge by increasing our influence both in the United States and internationally. We must galvanize our members by initiating new conversations and partnerships and be action-oriented.”

In addition to her position at Argosy University, Hill serves as an education consultant and is a retired superintendent of West Northfield School District 31 in Northbrook/Glenview, Ill.

“Debra brings to the office of the ASCD President an intense passion to grow ASCD’s global mission,” said ASCD CEO and Executive Director Gene R. Carter. “Her dedication to ASCD and to improving education is a tremendous strength, as is her endless supply of energy. I look forward to working with her in the coming year.”

Hill, originally from Evanston, Ill., has been an ASCD member for 29 years and is a member of the Illinois ASCD affiliate. She has also served as an ASCD Annual Conference participant and presenter; member, chair, and vice chair of the ASCD Nominations Committee; member of the ASCD Legislative Committee for six years; and member of the ASCD Board of Directors from 2005 to 2008. Hill succeeds Paul Healey, who is assistant to the chair in the Teacher Education Department at Penn State Harrisburg and is now Immediate Past President of ASCD. Becky Cooke is the President-Elect.

In other association news, ASCD announced the following new members of the ASCD Board of Directors:

Board of Directors (three-year term)

Marie Adair, Executive Director, New Jersey ASCD, Jamesburg, N.J.
Susie Carr, Assistant Superintendent, Whitehall City Schools, Galloway, Ohio
Becky Berg, Superintendent, Deer Park School District, Deer Park, Wash.
David Mathis, Superintendent, Saluda County Schools, Saluda, S.C.

Also during the 67th Annual Conference and Exhibit Show, ASCD presented its 2012 Area of Excellence Awards to outstanding affiliate organizations. This year’s recipients, Rhode Island ASCD and Virginia ASCD, were recognized for their outstanding advocacy work.
Karen Swoboda, president-elect, and Betty Brito, executive director, received this award on behalf of Rhode Island ASCD. Betsy Poulson, president, and Linda Hyslop, executive director, accepted on behalf of Virginia ASCD.

Receiving the association’s 2012 Overall Excellence Award was North Carolina ASCD. Rodney Shotwell, president, and Frances Jones, executive director, accepted on behalf of the affiliate.

“North Carolina ASCD influences the quality of public education and school district leadership within the state through its highly interactive, professional development programs,” said ASCD Chief Constituent Services Officer and Deputy Executive Director Judy Seltz. “We recognize North Carolina ASCD for its leadership role in the state, and we congratulate them for this well-deserved award. Their work each day, like the work of ASCD’s 58 affiliate organizations worldwide, improves the quality of education for children everywhere.”
Learn more about ASCD governance at www.ascd.org/governance and about ASCD Affiliates at www.ascd.org/affiliates. For more information about ASCD’s programs, products, and services, visit www.ascd.org.

Contact Information
Stephen Wakefield, communications director, 1-703-575-5764 or by e-mail.
Katie Test, communications specialist, 1-703-575-5608 or by e-mail.

ASCD is the global leader in developing and delivering innovative programs, products, and services that empower educators to support the success of each learner. Comprising 150,000 members—superintendents, principals, teachers, professors, and advocates from more than 145 countries—the ASCD community also includes 58 affiliate organizations. The nonprofit’s diverse, nonpartisan membership is its greatest strength, projecting a powerful, unified voice to decision makers around the world. To learn more about how ASCD supports educators as they learn, teach, and lead, visit www.ascd.org.