Alexandria, Va.–The Learning First Alliance (LFA), an alliance of associations advancing trust, investment, and equity in public education for each and every learner, is pleased to announce the appointment of Danny Carlson as its new executive director. Carlson succeeds Richard Long, who has led the organization since 2015.

“I know I speak for the leadership of the Learning First Alliance member organizations when I say we are thrilled to welcome Danny Carlson as our next executive director,” said Frederick Brown, Chair of the Learning First Alliance and president and CEO of Learning Forward.

“At this critical time for public education, we look forward to Danny’s leadership and guidance as LFA continues its important work–championing public education, amplifying the voices of educators, families, and school leaders, and supporting the efforts of our member organizations to strengthen teaching, learning, and student success.”

Carlson brings extensive experience in education policy and advocacy. Most recently, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Policy and Programs in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), where he helped oversee the administration of K-12 formula, discretionary, and pandemic relief programs. He also served as Chief of Staff for OESE, managing the office’s day-to-day operations.

Prior to the Department of Education, Carlson led advocacy and government relations for the National Association of Elementary School Principals. He previously worked at the National Governors Association, supporting governors across the country in advancing K-12 human capital work. Earlier, he was an education policy advisor in the U.S. Senate and worked on the reauthorization of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Carlson began his career as a public school teacher.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to join the Learning First Alliance as its next executive director,” said Carlson. “LFA is an extraordinary organization representing more than 10 million members dedicated to improving student learning in America’s public schools.

I look forward to collaborating with the LFA Board of Directors to build on the organization’s strong foundation and harness its collective voice to advocate for public education. Standing up for public schools is needed now more than ever.

I am grateful to LFA’s Board of Directors for this opportunity and will work every day to deliver for schools, educators, parents and families, and communities across the country.”

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About the Learning First Alliance: The Learning First Alliance is an alliance of associations advancing trust, investment, and equity in public education for each and every learner. Member organizations include: AASA: The School Superintendents Association; American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education; American Federation of Teachers; American School Counselor Association; Consortium for School Networking; Learning Forward; National Association of Elementary School Principals; National Education Association; National PTA; National School Boards Association, National School Public Relations Association, and PDK International. Learn more about the Learning First Alliance.