Raleigh, NC – The Public School Forum of North Carolina is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Anthony D. Jackson as its next president and chief executive officer following a national search. Dr. Jackson will assume his role on July 1, succeeding interim executive directors Ann McColl and Dr. Lauren Fox.
This leadership transition coincides with the Forum’s 40th anniversary—an important milestone that Dr. Jackson views as an opportunity to both honor the organization’s legacy and lead a bold, forward-looking refresh. He is committed to strengthening the Forum’s role as a trusted, nonpartisan voice for public education, advancing the connection between research, policy and practice to support strong public schools and thriving communities across North Carolina.
The title change from executive director to chief executive officer reflects the expanded scope and complexity of the role, encompassing leading a multifaceted organization, driving strategic growth and managing integrated operations beyond the traditional responsibilities of an executive director.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jackson to the Forum at a pivotal time for the organization and for public education in North Carolina,” said Dr. Bill Harrison, Chair of the Public School Forum of NC Board of Directors. “He brings a wealth of experience, a strong reputation for exemplary leadership, and a deep commitment to and understanding of the critical importance and value of public education for our students, our communities, and our state overall. Dr. Jackson is exactly the right leader at the right time to guide the organization in its next chapter.”
Dr. Anthony D. Jackson is a transformational leader in public education with more than 30 years of service across rural, urban and suburban communities. As Superintendent of Chatham County Schools, he led the development and implementation of the district’s five-year strategic plan, One Chatham, grounded in data-informed equity and systemic improvement. Through strong partnerships with policymakers and community stakeholders, his leadership contributed to increased graduation rates and expanded early college enrollment.
Prior to Chatham County Schools, Dr. Jackson served as superintendent in Vance County and Nash-Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and in Henry County, Virginia, where he led efforts to improve student outcomes and strengthen inclusive learning environments. He began his career as a teacher assistant and music teacher and has held a wide range of leadership roles, including principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels; executive director; associate superintendent; and adjunct university faculty member.
Dr. Jackson’s leadership has been recognized with numerous honors. In 2024, he was named NCAE Superintendent of the Year, following his selection as the 2020 North Carolina A. Craig Phillips Superintendent of the Year and Central Region Superintendent of the Year. His innovative contributions to educational technology earned him the 2017 Friday Medal from the Friday Institute.
He has also served as President and Chair of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association and as a 2021 gubernatorial appointee to the North Carolina Partnership for Children. In addition, he has served as an advisory board member for the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at NC State University and MyFutureNC, and as a member of the Board of Directors for NC Education Corps.
Throughout his career, Dr. Jackson has championed educational equity and operated at the intersection of education, economic development, and public policy. His experience uniquely positions him to lead the Forum’s work as a trusted, nonpartisan, cross-sector convener dedicated to strengthening public education for all students.
Dr. Anthony D. Jackson, Incoming President and CEO, Public School Forum of North Carolina, shared the following:
“I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful for the trust the Public School Forum of North Carolina has placed in me to serve as its next President and CEO. This opportunity is both a privilege and a profound responsibility to advocate for high-quality, well-staffed, well-led, and well-resourced public schools across our state. I am excited to continue this important work in partnership with educators, policymakers, and communities to ensure that the constitutional promise of a sound basic education is fulfilled for every child in North Carolina. I look forward to the work ahead and to building upon the Forum’s strong legacy as a trusted and impactful voice for public education.”
About the Public School Forum of North Carolina
Since its founding in 1985 as a nonpartisan “think and do tank,” the Public School Forum of North Carolina has been a champion of better schools and one of the most trusted sources in the state for research and analysis on vital education issues. In order to provide meaningful action on the state’s most important public education issues, the Forum brings together leaders from business, education and government to study education issues, develop ideas, and ultimately inform and shape education policy. The Forum team conducts research and policy analysis, leads innovative programs, and advocates for high-quality, equitable educational opportunity for all children in North Carolina. Follow the Forum on social media at @theNCForum and visit our website at http://www.ncforum.org/