Summit Education Initiative Welcomes David W. James, Ed.D as Executive Director

Summit Education Initiative Welcomes David W. James, Ed.D. as Executive Director

Dr. James brings more than two decades of experience in education to Summit Education Initiative.

Akron, Ohio (November 21, 2022) – Summit Education Initiative announces David W. James, Ed.D. as the new Executive Director. James, Akron Public Schools’ former Superintendent for more than 13 years, and most recently the Deputy Superintendent of Operations for Columbus City Schools, brings nearly 30 years of public education leadership experience to Summit Education Initiative. He will begin in his new role with SEI on January 3, 2023.

“We are thrilled to have David on board to lead SEI and its important work ” ,stated Andrew  Duff, SEI Board Chair. “His expertise and leadership will be a welcome addition to advancing SEI’s mission of supporting all Summit County students in preparation for successful careers or pursuit of higher education.”

While at Akron Public Schools, James led the transformation of the district’s shift to college and career academies, as well as leading the rebuilding of many of its school buildings. He is known  for successfully forging partnerships with businesses, universities, funders and other nonprofit entities to serve the needs of families and students. While at Columbus City Schools, James led the development and implementation of district strategic planning initiatives in the areas of human resources, information technology, facility operations and planning, transportation, food service, purchasing, and safety.

The SEI Board of Directors conducted a national search that concluded in November.

“While we had a great pool of candidates, none had the comparable expertise, depth and insight that David brings,” stated Kirstin Toth, Senior Vice President of GAR Foundation, and Chair of the Search Committee. “It was clear that if David James could join us as our leader, we would be well-positioned for great success.”

James received his Doctorate of Education from the University of Phoenix, and his Master’s and undergraduate degrees from Cleveland State University.  James is the recipient of the Ohio Superintendent Outstanding Performance Award from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, the 2021 Hubert H. Humphrey Humanitarian Award from Community Action Akron Summit, the 2019 Leadership Akron Lieberth Community Vision Award, the 2019 Values in Action Sam Miller Goodness Award and the 2017 GAR Foundation Glass Half-Full Award, among others. James is looking forward to strengthening SEI’s work for students and businesses so that they can achieve a strong and prosperous community.

As Executive Director, Dr. James will lead SEI’s professional staff through a new strategic plan next year, as well as shepherd its ongoing research and development of supporting data on successful educational strategies. Key actionable research is at the heart of SEI’s work that is often tested through program innovations by educators throughout the community to assist students in achieving educational and career success, cradle to career. In addition, James will strengthen SEI’s strong alliances with business and educational leaders throughout Summit County.

Media Contact:

Caitlin Heintz
Marketing and Communications Manager
cheintz@seisummit.org
330.535.8833
www.seisummit.org