Executive Director, D.C. State Board of Education
As executive director of the District of Columbia State Board of Education, Bernice Butler (B.A. ’06) serves as the agency lead for the elected State Board and is responsible for furthering the board’s policy and research, as well as managing the day-to-day operations of the agency and support staff. Having more than 15 years’ experience in local government and education advocacy, Butler previously served as a senior associate at the Data Quality Campaign, where she analyzed emerging state education policies and practices, convened national thought leaders and worked with partner organizations to aid Washington D.C., leaders in using evidence to improve student outcomes.
Butler cites her experiences with Georgia State’s Evolving Experiences Dialogue Series with fundamentally changing her and fostering the empathy, compassion and courage that led her to pursue a career in public service. A former foster youth, Butler aged out of the foster care system as a Georgia State undergraduate and has worked philanthropically to provide educational opportunities and support for other young people in the system.