Silver Spring, MD – February 13, 2025 – Advance CTE releases the following statement regarding the recent nomination of Dr. Kevin O’Farrell to serve as the next Assistant Secretary for Career and Technical Education for the U.S. Department of Education:

Advance CTE welcomes and congratulates the recent nomination of Dr. Kevin O’Farrell to serve as the next Assistant Secretary for Career and Technical Education within the U.S. Department of Education. We are pleased to see a leader with direct, hands-on experience in CTE helm the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE).

Dr. O’Farrell’s background as Chancellor for the Division of Career and Adult Education in Florida’s Department of Education, where he served as the State CTE Director, gives him a deep understanding of the critical role states play in implementing the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) and how this key federal investment can be leveraged to build robust career and education ecosystems aligned with the needs of the American economy. His leadership in expanding high-quality CTE programs and promoting industry partnerships has helped to create robust career pathways for learners, ensuring that they are able to earn credentials of value, engage in meaningful work-based learning, and are well-prepared for in-demand careers.

As today’s Senate confirmation hearing for Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized, CTE is more essential than ever to keeping students engaged in their learning, meeting workforce needs, and driving economic growth. We look forward to working with Assistant Secretary O’Farrell, OCTAE, and the Department of Education to strengthen and expand high-quality CTE opportunities for all learners.

About Advance CTE

Advance CTE is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary, and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports state CTE leadership to advance high-quality CTE policies, programs, and pathways that ensure career and college success for each learner.

Media contact: Stacy Whitehouse, [email protected]