Bredesen names New Education Commissioner

Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen today swore in veteran education executive Dr. Timothy K. Webb as the new Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education. Webb has served as acting commissioner of the department since the retirement of Lana Seivers from state service in February.

Webb joined the Tennessee Department of Education in 2003. Before his appointment as acting commissioner, he most recently served as deputy commissioner, overseeing the daily operations of all divisions of the department. He has also served as assistant commissioner for the Division of Resources and Support Services, which is responsible for public school funding and facility oversight.

"Dr. Webb is an integral member of the team that has led the Department of Education during the past five years in its mission to provide quality education for every child in the state of Tennessee," Bredesen said. "I appreciate his willingness to assume this leadership role and his commitment to continuing the progress in our state's number one priority: education."

Webb's career has included several senior educational administration and teaching positions, previously serving as Superintendent of Lewis County Schools, Lewis County Middle School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, as well as Lewis County Schools System-wide Title II Coordinator. Webb also taught middle school mathematics and social studies for seven years.

"I am honored that Governor Bredesen has given me this opportunity," Webb said. "I look forward to continuing the great work of the Department of Education in putting children and teachers first and striving to ensure equal, safe, and quality learning opportunities for all students."

The Tennessee Department of Education oversees public pre-K through 12th grade schools in 136 local districts. The mission of the department is to ensure every child in Tennessee receives a high quality education by providing teachers with the tools they need to help students succeed. Major divisions of the department include Teaching and Learning, Special Education, Vocational-Technical Education, Resources and Support Services, the Office of Early Learning and Accountability and Assessment.

Webb is a Howenwald, Tenn. native and a retired Tennessee Army National Guardsman. He is active in numerous professional and community organizations including the National Center for Educational Statistics, ConnecTen Advisory Council, American Association of School Administrators and the Tennessee Academy for School Leaders Advisory Council. He is also Advisory Consortium Chair of Education Information Management.

Webb holds a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.