NASBE Membership Elects New Leaders to Its Board of Directors

Alexandria, Va. — The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is pleased to announce the election of new leaders to its board of directors. Byron Ernest, a member of the Indiana State Board of Education, was elected as NASBE’s chair at the close of the organization’s Annual Conference and business meeting in October. Ernest previously served as NASBE chair in 2020. Fern Desjardins of the Maine State Board of Education was named chair-elect. She will become NASBE chair at the close of NASBE’s Annual Conference in 2026. Georgia’s Matt W. Donaldson was elected secretary-treasurer for a two-year term.

The membership also elected regional officers to NASBE’s 2025–26 board:

• Nisha Lodhavia, Delaware (northeastern area director, two-year term)
• Lu Young, Kentucky (southern area director, two-year term)
• Kim Lewis, Maryland (new member representative, one-year term)

These leaders will join Matt Hymas of Utah and Steve Isoye of Illinois, who are completing their final year as western and central area directors respectively, as well as immediate past chair Keven Ellis of Texas. Newly elected representatives of the National Council of State Education Attorneys  (NCOSEA) and National Council of State Boards of Education Executives (NCSBEE)—Scott Gordon of Kansas and Randy Spaulding of Washington, respectively—will serve as ex officio members of NASBE’s board.

“My journey with NASBE began in 2015, when a fellow board member invited me to the New Member Institute. That invitation made all the difference and reminds me of the power of welcoming others and getting involved,” Ernest said. “NASBE is an invaluable resource for professional growth and leadership, offering research, technical support, and tools that help board members better serve students, families, and schools. As chair, I look forward to helping more members engage with all that NASBE has to offer.”

“NASBE connects state board members across the US and territories, providing access to evidence-based resources, tools, and expert insights to tackle key education challenges and make informed decisions for the students and families they serve,” Desjardins said. “As chair-elect, I’m excited to collaborate with colleagues who share my passion for education and empowering one another in shaping policies that support academic achievement for all students.”

“NASBE’s board of directors is central to meeting our mission of equipping state boards to lead effectively and strengthen education for every student,” said NASBE President and CEO Paolo DeMaria. “I’m inspired by the dedication and vision of our board as continue the work of strengthening member connections, enhancing engagement, and ensuring NASBE continues to provide meaningful support to state boards across the country.”

Learn more about NASBE’s board of directors here.

NASBE serves as the only membership organization for state boards of education. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, NASBE elevates state board members’ voices in national and state policymaking, facilitates the exchange of informed ideas, and supports members in advancing equity and excellence in public education for students of all races, genders, and circumstances. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.

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