Nevada’s new state superintendent of public instruction is Victor Wakefield, a Teach for America executive with Las Vegas ties.

Gov. Joe Lombardo announced his selection of Wakefield today, several weeks after the state board of education named Wakefield as one of the top applicants for the statewide post. Wakefield begins his appointment on Oct. 27.

“Victor is the right leader at the right time for Nevada’s public education system,” Lombardo said in a statement. “He received a unanimous recommendation from the State Board of Education– a testament to his qualifications, vision, and commitment to improving outcomes for all students. I look forward to working closely with him to build on the monumental reforms we have already made and ensure that every child in Nevada has access to a high-quality education.”

Wakefield, who earned a Doctor of Education from Johns Hopkins University, has been with the Teach for America teacher preparation program for 16 years. He has been the organization’s executive director of TFA-Las Vegas, National Vice President for Regions and Vice President for Special Projects. He was also an appointed member of the Nevada State Board of Education from 2015 to 2017 and a senior fellow at the Kenny Guinn Center from 2017-2020.

Wakefield started his career in education as a middle school English teacher in Gary, Ind.

“I enthusiastically welcome Dr. Wakefield back to Nevada. His experience as a former State Board member will help promote collaborative conversations to improve outcomes for students,” Nevada State Board of Education President Katie Dockweiler said in a statement.

The state superintendent is a member of the governor’s Cabinet and has a regulatory oversight role over all Nevada schools but does not typically get involved in day-to-day local operations.

Under state law, the governor has the authority to make an appointment regardless of the board’s recommendations. The governor agreed on Wakefield, who the state board named as one of its top three contenders for Lombardo’s consideration after it interviewed six semifinalists for the post in late August.

“This is a generational moment for public education in Nevada with historic investments and bipartisan reforms,” Wakefield said in a statement. “I am excited to return to Nevada, build on the points of progress, and help advance Gov. Lombardo’s vision that every Nevada student receives an education that unlocks opportunities, propels them into the workforce, and strengthens society.”

Wakefield succeeds Jhone Ebert, who was Nevada’s education chief for about six years until taking the helm at the Clark County School District in April. Former superintendent Steve Canavero has been serving again on an interim basis.

“I look forward to collaborating with him to lift up all students,” Ebert said in a statement. “Working together, I am confident we can keep the momentum moving in the right direction for Nevada students and educators.”