Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has been selected as the next Chair of the Education Commission of the States (ECS), a prominent nonpartisan organization dedicated to supporting state education leaders in developing effective education policies.
Governor Gordon will officially assume the leadership role in July 2025 during the ECS National Forum on Education Policy in Salt Lake City, Utah.
As Chair of ECS, Gordon will join the organization’s executive committee and play a key role in advising and supporting state education leaders nationwide. Every two years, ECS selects a new chair, alternating between Democratic and Republican governors. Gordon will succeed Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who has held the position since 2023.
One of the key responsibilities of the chair is to select a “priority initiative” for the commission to focus on during their term. While Gordon has yet to announce his chosen initiative, his previous efforts as Wyoming’s governor suggest it could center on innovation in education.
In a statement from his office, Governor Gordon expressed his enthusiasm for the role and his commitment to advancing education at the state level.
“I’m truly excited and deeply honored to be selected as the Chair of ECS,” Gordon said in a video message shared at the ECS Winter Commissioners Meeting. “I look forward … to building on ECS’ proud legacy of fostering collaboration and impact. [Together], we can ensure that every state is equipped with the tools and resources to meet the evolving needs of students and communities.”
Gordon’s selection reflects his ongoing commitment to education reform in Wyoming. One of his most notable education initiatives is the Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education (RIDE) program. Launched three years ago, the RIDE initiative focuses on student-centered learning and collaboration with parents, students, and communities. The program aims to create more personalized and engaging educational experiences, which Gordon views as essential to ensuring students remain competitive in an ever-evolving world.
Currently, 20 Wyoming school districts are participating in the RIDE initiative. The program’s emphasis on personalized education aligns with Gordon’s broader vision of modernizing education policy to better serve diverse student needs.
Education Commission of the States President José Muñoz praised Governor Gordon’s selection as chair, citing his history of supporting educational innovation and his ability to lead meaningful change.
“Now more than ever, as the incoming administration emphasizes the power of states when it comes to education, it will be critical to ensure state education leaders and policymakers have reliable, nonpartisan information and resources, as well as opportunities to share insights to inform their decision-making,” Muñoz said. “Governor Gordon has prioritized innovation in education throughout his term as governor. We’re excited to welcome Gov. Gordon to our leadership team as we continue our important work to support states.”
ECS is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works with state policymakers to create effective education policy. The commission serves as a hub for sharing research, resources, and best practices. Governors, legislators, and education officials rely on ECS for guidance on issues ranging from early childhood education to higher education policy.
The selection of Gordon as chair is part of ECS’ ongoing effort to maintain a bipartisan leadership model, alternating between Republican and Democratic governors every two years. As chair, Gordon will have the opportunity to shape national education policy, engage with leaders from other states, and prioritize initiatives that reflect his vision for the future of education.
Governor Gordon’s role as Chair of ECS will officially begin in July 2025.
With input from Oil City News, County 10, and Wyoming Public Media.
