Washington, DC - U.S. Secretary Margaret Spellings today announced that David Dunn will be leaving his position as Chief of Staff to the U.S. Department of Education effective October 3, 2008 to serve as Executive Director of the newly formed Texas Charter Schools Association (TCSA), an Austin-based membership organization representing charter school operators throughout Texas. Stepping in to assume Dunn's leadership and management duties will be long-time aide Robin Gilchrist, senior counselor to the Secretary.

The TCSA selection of Texas native David Dunn is the latest chapter in a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades and which has been dedicated to education reform, specifically raising academic achievement and standards in America's schools. Before serving as Chief of Staff for Secretary Spellings, Dunn spent more than two years as special assistant to the President for domestic policy at the White House Domestic Policy Council. Prior to his time in Washington, DC, Dunn was the associate executive director of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). He spent 15 fifteen years in education and fiscal policy analysis for the state of Texas and was a lead drafter of the blueprint for Texas' School Accountability System.

"The Texas Charter Schools Association made a great choice in tapping David Dunn for its top slot," said Secretary Spellings. "David and I have toiled together in the education reform vineyard for years; I can attest to his policy know-how, strategic sense, and dedication to ensuring the highest quality education for every child. He is not only a strong leader, but a great friend. America's schoolchildren have certainly benefited from having David on the beat in Washington. But I know he's anxious to get back to Texas - who isn't?! - and work on moving the State's charter school movement forward in positive ways."

Taking the helm as chief of staff at the U.S. Education Department will be Robin Gilchrist. Gilchrist is currently serving as senior counselor to the Secretary and as acting director of International Affairs -- positions she has held since August 2006. Prior to these policy roles, she served as deputy chief of staff for Secretary Spellings from January 2005 to July 2006. She joined the U.S. Department of Education in March 2004 as a liaison to educational associations and foundations.

Gilchrist, also a Texas native, previously served as assistant commissioner for statewide initiatives at the Texas Education Agency where she implemented the Texas Reading Initiative and the Texas Student Success Initiative. She was director of the Texas Family Literacy Center at The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to government service, Gilchrist worked at Hughes & Luce, LLP representing businesses interested in educational reform issues, as well as other clients of the firm. She received her undergraduate degree at St. Edward's University and her graduate degree at The University of Texas - Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.

"Robin is a tremendous leader and I'm thrilled she'll be at my side in the coming months," Spellings said. "Robin and I have been friends and colleagues for many, many years as we've worked to strengthen accountability and drive education reform, whether in Washington DC or our home state of Texas. There is much to accomplish in the remaining days of the Bush Administration and I know Robin is ready for the sprint ahead."

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