PDK International Appoints New CEO Dr. James F. Lane

ARLINGTON, Va., July 17, 2023—The Board of Directors of PDK International and the Board of Governors of the PDK Foundation are pleased to announce the appointment of James F. Lane, Ed.D., as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Phi Delta Kappa International (PDK). Dr. Lane began his role as CEO on July 17, 2023.

From a deep, diverse, and excellent pool of candidates, PDK has unanimously selected Lane, most recently the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the United States Department of Education. In that role, Lane performed the functions and duties of the Assistant Secretary in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) and served as a Senior Advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel A. Cardona.

In OESE, Lane led the implementation of all pandemic relief funds for Pk-12 education, including the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds in the American Rescue Plan (ARP). He also managed the policy, implementation, compliance, and monitoring for all discretionary and formula grant programs for OESE.

Previously Lane served as Virginia’s 25th Superintendent of Public Instruction, a position appointed by the Governor of Virginia. Lane also served as a district superintendent in three school divisions in Virginia (Chesterfield, Goochland, and Middlesex Counties). A practicing musician, he began his career as a teacher and band director.

Lane holds a Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina, a Master of School Administration from North Carolina State University, and a Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia.

“The Board of Directors is honored that Dr. Lane has chosen to join our team,” said Dr. Melissa Nixon, immediate Past Chair of the PDK International Board. “Dr. Lane’s deep knowledge and breadth of experience will continue to grow and maintain relevance for Phi Delta Kappa in new and exciting ways. His vision and leadership will undoubtedly chart a path forward that will continue to add significant value to, and meet the needs of, the current educational landscape while honoring the deep history and commitment to excellence that is a part of our legacy organization.”

“I am thrilled to be joining PDK International as its new CEO,” said Lane. “PDK is a leading education organization with a rich history of supporting current and future educators for over 100 years. I am committed to Educators Rising and PDK’s vision of building phenomenal “Grow Your Own” teaching programs throughout the nation, continuing as a leading voice on matters in public education, and providing the highest quality of service to our members. I am also committed to telling the story of the public’s attitudes on education in America via the PDK Poll.

I look forward to working with the PDK Board of Directors, staff, and members to build on PDK’s strong foundation and to shape its future. I am grateful for the confidence that the PDK Board of Directors has placed in me, and I look forward to working with our excellent team and all of our supporters to maximize PDK’s impact on education.”

“Dr. Lane has demonstrated a distinct skill and passion to not only lead but excel in a multitude of educational settings. He is a student-centered, strategic, and holistic educator that will lead Phi Delta Kappa and the family of associations into the future as it continues to build networks, services, partnerships, and supports to meet the needs of all learners in this nation and beyond,” said Dr. Curtis Cain, PDK Foundation Board Chair and Superintendent of the Rockwood School District in Eureka, MO. “We are fortunate to have Dr. Lane joining PDK International and are truly excited to see what the future holds,” Dr. Cain added.

Founded in 1906, Phi Delta Kappa International has always been committed to excellence in public education, helping researchers and practitioners deepen their experience toward ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education. PDK is deeply invested in growing and developing the next generation of educators through Educators Rising, Grow the Teaching Profession programs, and Grow Your Own (GYO). PDK International also is the publisher of Kappan magazine, an influential publication featuring articles about classroom practice, policy, research, professional issues, and innovation in education. PDK is known for the PDK Poll, which has for 55 years been a reliable resource for families, education professionals, researchers, and policymakers.

“On behalf of the staff, we welcome Dr. Lane to the PDK family,” said Albert Chen, PDK’s Chief Operating Officer. “The talents he brings and the doors he can open will serve to strengthen PDK’s programs and membership services.”

###

Access a PDF version of this Press Release.

About PDK International
Established in 1906, PDK International supports P-20 educators, researchers, and policy makers by strengthening their commitment to the profession throughout the entire arc of their careers. We are committed to elevating the profession through the intersection of research and practice. Through our core values of social justice, engagement, excellence, and results, we encourage educators and stakeholders to elevate the discourse and change the narrative around teaching and learning to ensure that every student has a high-quality equitable education. https://www.pdkintl.org

About Educators Rising
In 2015, PDK International – in its 115-year commitment to the profession of education – launched Educators Rising, formerly the Future Educators Association (FEA). Today, Educators Rising is cultivating a new generation of highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path from high school through college and into their teaching careers. By working with aspiring educators who reflect the demographics of their communities and who are passionate about serving those communities through public education, Educators Rising is changing the face of teaching. https://educatorsrising.org/