Gene Wilhoit

Former Kentucky Education Commissioner Gene Wilhoit announced last week he is retiring as executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

Wilhoit plans to remain at CCSSO until a new executive director assumes the post.

Under Wilhoit’s leadership, states have increasingly worked together to address critical issues including higher standards for students, richer assessments of their learning, better tools for teachers and more accountability for schools to produce results.

Wilhoit plans to return to his home and family in Kentucky, but said he remains committed to the reform agenda.

“I’ll be leaving CCSSO but can’t walk away from the work I feel so passionately about. I am deeply invested in ensuring that the states have the support they need to advance the transformative work they have begun. Together we will advance work to ensure every student in this country receives the high-quality education they deserve,” he said.

Wilhoit served as Kentucky’s Education Commissioner from 2000-06.