(FRANKFORT, Ky.) – Gov. Matt Bevin has made the following appointments to the Charter Schools Advisory Council:

  • Brandon Kyle Wilson, Cunningham, represents parents. He is a farm manager for Davis Brothers Farms, former lecturer at Murray State University, and holds a master’s degree from Murray State and a doctorate from Auburn University. Wilson shall serve for a term expiring June 30, 2020.
  • Holly Iaccarino, Versailles, represents attorneys. She is an attorney for Barnett Benvenuti & Butler PLLC and holds a bachelor’s degree from Asbury University and a law degree from The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law. Iaccarino shall serve for a term expiring June 30, 2020.
  • Wayne Lewis, Versailles, represents members with education policy expertise. He serves as executive director of education policy and programs for the Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet. He holds a doctorate from North Carolina State University. Lewis shall serve for a term expiring June 30, 2020.
  • Martha Fitts Clark, Owensboro, represents members with business or finance background. She is a former teacher and a CPA. She holds a master’s degree from Western Kentucky University. Clark shall serve for a term expiring June 30, 2019.
  • Aaron Thompson Jr., Richmond, represents members with education policy expertise. He has been executive vice president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and interim president of Kentucky State University, and holds a doctorate from Eastern Kentucky University. Thompson shall serve for a term expiring June 30, 2019.
  • Milton Seymore, Louisville, represents the Kentucky Board of Education. He is a pastor at Energized Baptist Church and holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Seminary. Seymore shall serve for a term expiring June 30, 2018.
  • Ben Lovell Cundiff, Cadiz, represents the Kentucky Board of Education. He is a farmer and a graduate of the Kentucky Military Institute of Louisville. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and law degree from Vanderbilt University. Cundiff shall serve for a term expiring June 30, 2018.
  • Gary Wayne Houchens, Bowling  Green, represents the Kentucky Board of Education. He is an associate professor in the Department of Educational Administration, Leadership and Research at Western Kentucky University. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Louisville. Houchens shall serve for a term expiring June 30, 2018.
  • Valerie O’Rear, Fisherville, represents the School, Curriculum, Assessment, and Accountability Council. She is a retired military officer and the owner of Live Well, Live Wisely. She holds a master’s degree in physical education from Texas Tech University. O’Rear shall serve for a term expiring June 30, 2018.

Lewis will serve as chair and Iaccarino as vice-chair.