AUSTIN – The Texas Charter Schools Association this week announced the hiring of Starlee Coleman as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Prior to coming to TCSA, Coleman founded SchoolForward LLC, a public affairs firm in Washington, D.C. that advances education reform policy objectives. The firm advises a number of high-profile clients, including the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

Tom Castro, chairman of the TCSA Board of Directors, said the organization undertook an extensive search for its new CEO. “Our search committee and board considered many outstanding candidates from Texas and nationally,” Castro said. “We are excited that Starlee will be our new CEO. She has a strong track record working with public charters around the country. Starlee is a great communicator and executive. She will be a terrific ambassador to tell the Texas charter story as we grow to serve more Texas families.”

Prior to her work with SchoolForward, Coleman served as Vice President for Communications for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, developing public relations campaigns to help pass and improve public charter school laws throughout the country. Her campaigns focused on the growing successes public charters have enjoyed nationally.

“Texas has grown one of the most promising and exciting charter school communities in the country,” Coleman said. “Texas charter schools focus on students and support teachers with the freedom and flexibility to teach. I am excited to lead the organization’s efforts to build on this success and provide services to the dedicated and talented educators and their charter schools.”

Born in Texas, Coleman earned her Bachelor of Arts in English at Arizona State University in 1998 and was part of the University’s Honors College.

“TCSA’s future is in great hands with Starlee,” said Chuck Cook, Interim CEO of the TCSA. “Starlee brings a wealth of experience both with public charter schools and working with elected officials. She’s going to be an outstanding leader for the TCSA team.”

Coleman is married to Texas-native Michael Coleman, a Baylor University graduate. The couple has an 8-month-old daughter, Autumn.

Coleman will assume the CEO position starting Sept. 4, but will be attending the National Charter Schools Conference, which will be held in Austin next week.