Katharine Oliver

Katharine Oliver served as the Assistant State Superintendent for Career and College Readiness at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) from 1989 until her retirement in 2015. During her tenure, Maryland revamped Vocational-Technical Education into a 21st century system of Career and Technology Education, the New CTE, where students prepare for careers and postsecondary studies earning early college credit and industry certifications along with their high school diplomas.

As the State’s Director of Career and Technology Education, she was responsible for administering the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act for both secondary and postsecondary recipients in Maryland. In addition to her CTE responsibilities, Kathy also provided executive leadership to Maryland’s systems of adult education, correctional education and juvenile services education. A member of MSDE’s Executive Team, Kathy worked with numerous other federal and state statutes, regulations and policies affecting secondary education.

In retirement, Kathy works as a part-time consultant to the Council of Chief State School Officers where she coaches State Teams to improve state policies and practices for career readiness of high school graduates. She also continues her professional service on the PDK International Board of Directors and as an Advisor to the Education Strategy Group.