Statement from Ohio Excels President Lisa Gray on Nomination of Diane Allen to the Department of Education and Workforce’s Division of Primary and Secondary Education

June 2, 2025

Director Stephen Dackin’s appointment of Diane Allen to lead the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s new Division of Primary and Secondary Education marks an important moment for the agency. The leadership and expertise Diane brings to this role will have a significant impact on how Ohio works to strengthen opportunities for our students to succeed. This key new role will be essential to shaping policies and initiatives that ensure access to quality education, fostering innovation in teaching, and preparing our students for the in-demand jobs that our state leaders have been working to create.

Ohio Excels is committed to supporting the Department of Education and Workforce's new leadership team as they work to connect all the dots necessary for the success of our students and employers, while making our state a national model for student success.

We urge members of the Ohio Senate to move promptly to confirm this appointment, enabling the department to maintain its strong momentum of better aligning our education system with the needs of today’s diversifying economy.

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About Ohio Excels: Ohio Excels is a non-partisan, non-profit organization created in 2018 by leaders of Ohio’s business community who are committed to helping improve educational outcomes for Ohio’s students and ensuring that all K-12 schools prepare students for success in the next step of their lives, whether it is higher education, the military or the workforce.