BrigitteRamseyKentucky Board of Education member Brigitte Blom Ramsey has been named associate executive director of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence.

Ramsey succeeds Cindy Heine, who is retiring after 31 years of service with the committee.

Ramsey, of Falmouth, has been director of strategic resources and public policy of the United Way of Greater Cincinnati since 2011. She is a member of Kentucky’s Early Childhood Advisory Council and co-chairs the Northern Kentucky Education Action Team.

She was appointed by Gov. Steve Beshear in 2008 to the Kentucky Board of Education, a position she will resign upon assuming her Prichard Committee post.

Ramsey has bachelor’s degrees in economics and international studies from Northern Kentucky University and a master of public policy from the University of Kentucky Martin School of Public Policy and Administration.

Her background includes work as director of tax and budget for Kentucky Youth Advocates and as a researcher for the University of Cincinnati, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and Northern Kentucky University. She also is a past member of the Pendleton County school district Board of Education.

Heine’s tenure with the committee began as a volunteer member when the statewide citizens’ advocacy group was formed in 1983. She joined the committee staff in 1989.

Stu Silberman, executive director of the committee said, “Cindy has been such a great advocate and champion for kids during her 31 years, and she will be missed by all. We are so fortunate to be able to have someone with Brigitte’s quality and experiences join us as we move forward. We are also excited to have a transition plan in place where Cindy and Brigitte will overlap for a couple of months beginning in May.”

Ramsey’s position with the Prichard Committee begins May 1.