DFER Welcomes Alisha Searcy as the First Regional President

New York, NY (March 6, 2024) – Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) announced today it is launching its Southern regional strategy with the hiring of Alisha Searcy as the Regional President, South—the first Regional President appointment—of DFER and its affiliate think tank Education Reform Now (ERN).

Searcy, who in 2022 became the Democratic Nominee for Georgia’s State School Superintendent, brings more than a decade of experience as an education expert and leader in Democratic politics—including making history as the first African American from Cobb County to serve in the Georgia House of Representatives, where she served six terms, and sat on the Education, Appropriations and Health and Human Services committees. During her tenure, Searcy coauthored Georgia’s Teacher and Leader Evaluation System, authored the state intra-district transfer law—allowing parents to choose the best public school within their district for their students, regardless of zip code—and coauthored the state’s constitutional amendment that created the State Charter Schools Commission.

“DFER is thrilled to welcome Alisha Searcy’s talents and deep experience to our team,” said DFER CEO Jorge Elorza. Alisha’s dedication to educational equity and proven track record make her an invaluable resource as we continue to expand our mission to ensure every student receives the high-quality public education they deserve. Her leadership will be instrumental in expanding our impact and continuing to advocate for Democratic values in education across the South.”

With the 2024 election season underway, DFER is focused on growing the number of Democratic education champions in the South and across the country, who will strive to advance and defend a student-centered education agenda. These priorities include implementing and protecting policies designed to hold schools accountable, driving innovative improvements in public education, and expanding public school choice so that all students can access high-quality schools that meet their individual needs.

“I am both excited and grateful to lead the work in the South to identify and support champions for public school choice, accountability, and innovation in our public schools,” said Searcy. “As a former state legislator, I know first-hand how critical it is for policymakers to know someone has their backs as they courageously advocate for and move policies that will change students’ life trajectories. I look forward to contributing to the movement in this meaningful way.”

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About Democrats for Education Reform 

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is a national political organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates for office who seek to expand policies and practices that increase educational equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. It is a partner organization of Education Reform Now Advocacy, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that supports DFER’s legislative and policy advocacy work. DFER maintains state chapters in Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington, D.C.  www.dfer.org.