FOLEY — The Baldwin County Education Coalition, an independent, non-profit nonpartisan organization of public school advocates, has announced that Terry Burkle has been selected to serve as the organization’s first executive director. Her responsibilities include ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the coalition and the development of a county-wide Partners-in-Education program.

“The executive director search committee conducted a thorough search and interview process,” said BCEC vice-chairman Beth Dotson. “Terry’s background in strategic planning, resource development and education advocacy made her the best choice for the executive director position.

“She had been instrumental in forming the coalition as a volunteer, but when we became more aware of her background and skills, we easily concluded she was the most qualified candidate to lead us through the next several years.”

Burkle served previously as vice-president of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. She was instrumental in developing and implementing over $2.1 million in Chamber Foundation programs such as Junior Ambassador Youth Leadership, Young Entrepreneurs Academy, Freshman Orientation, The Link Crew, Freshman Focus, CHOICES, WEB, Summer Arts Academy, Tutoring Intervention, Drug Prevention and Teacher/Student Grants.

About Partners In Education

In keeping with the jointly developed Co-owned Strategic Plan approved by the Baldwin County Board of Education in 2011, the alignment of community resources to support “Graduation for All: College and Career Readiness” has emerged as a top priority. Though Baldwin County’s 45 public schools already benefit from the generous support of hundreds of local companies that provide in-kind services and limited financial and volunteer support, a need exists to align, focus and expand these resources and efforts to ensure maximum impact and benefit to students.

About the Baldwin County Education Coalition

The Baldwin County Education Coalition is an independent, non-profit, nonpartisan organization of public school advocates. The Coalition works together for systemic improvements and through seven local education foundations that serve communities across Baldwin’s 1600-plus square miles. The organization’s greatest strength lies in the value added by these local groups to their individual communities and in nurturing a shared vision for creating world-class schools. For more information, visit BetterBaldwin.com/