(FRANKFORT, KY) – Kentucky Department of Education Commissioner Wayne Lewis announced the hiring of Jennifer Fraker as executive director of the Kentucky Board of Education. She begins this role with the department April 16.

Fraker joined the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) in March 2014 and has served as a social studies consultant, interim director of the Division of Program Standards, and most recently, as policy adviser in the Office of Standards, Assessment and Accountability. Prior to joining the KDE, Fraker served as a social studies teacher in Oldham and Fayette counties. She also held leadership positions in the private sector for more than 10 years.

“Jennifer is an exceptionally talented and hardworking leader. She is valued and respected by her colleagues, and she will be a tremendous asset to the KDE executive leadership team and the Kentucky Board of Education,” said Lewis. “Over the last year I have come to rely on her insight and expertise, and I look forward to working with her in this new role.”

Fraker completed an undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky (UK) in political science. She also earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from UK, with an emphasis on secondary social studies education. She is a doctoral candidate in curriculum and administration at UK.