Hickenlooper Named New ECS Chair for 2011-2013

The Education Commission of the States (ECS) announced today that Colorado Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper will become Chair of ECS upon his inauguration on January 11, 2011.

ECS is an interstate compact created in 1965 to improve public education by facilitating the exchange of information, ideas and experiences among state policymakers and education leaders. As the only national, nonpartisan organization involving key leaders from all levels of the education system, ECS creates unique opportunities to build partnerships, share information and promote the development of policy based on available research and strategies.

"Education is the single most important building block for our economic future," Gov.-elect Hickenlooper said. "Without a strong education system, job creation and economic development cannot be sustained. “

Every two years, the chairship of ECS rotates between Democratic and Republican governors. Gov.- elect Hickenlooper will assume his new leadership post from the current ECS Chair, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.