California Business for Education Excellence Names New Executive Director.

Business Editors/Education Writers

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 2000

California Business for Education Excellence (CBEE) today announced that it has named Suzanne Tacheny, Ph.D., as its new Executive Director. Dr. Tacheny, who has served as the group's Policy Director since CBEE was formed, will assume the Executive Director position immediately.

"In its short history, CBEE has become an important player in education policy in Sacramento," said Bill Hauck, President of the California Business Roundtable and CBEE Chairman. "As CBEE's Policy Director, Dr. Tacheny has played a significant role in that success. CBEE's efforts to raise standards and improve accountability for California's Public Schools will continue as Suzanne assumes this new role."

"California's economy, like the economy of the rest of the world, is undergoing massive change. The job of preparing students for work in this new economy has also changed," said Dr. Tacheny. "Higher standards are needed for all students, particularly in math, science and technology. All of this requires fundamental shifts in how schools do business. CBEE, on behalf of the business community, conveys this message to policy makers in Sacramento."

"Suzanne is an asset to the business community's effort to improve schools because she brings training and experience in education combined with business savvy and common sense," said Fred Main, Vice President for the Chamber of Commerce and a member of CBEE's Board of Directors.

Dr. Tacheny brings more than a decade of experience working in education. She has policy and administrative experience on the local and national level. Dr. Tacheny holds a Doctorate in Education Policy, Planning and Administration and has published numerous articles and studies on education policy.

Dr. Tacheny sits on the Board of Directors for the Theater for Children, Inc, which includes California's Fantasy Theater and the B-Street Theatre Company. She also serves on the University of Southern California's Sacramento Center Advisory Board.

California Business for Education Excellence was formed in 1998 by major California businesses and business organizations to restore excellence to California public schools. Recognizing that a quality public education system is the cornerstone to a healthy, dynamic economy, CBEE's focus is on setting higher standards for schools and holding schools accountable for student performance.

Member organizations of CBEE include the California Business Roundtable, the American Electronics Association, the Boeing Company, the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance, the California Manufacturers Association, the California Taxpayers Association, Hewlett-Packard Company, IBM Corporation, Pacific Bell and the Technology Network.