U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige announced today that Linda E. Wilson will serve as deputy assistant secretary for intergovernmental, constituent relations and corporate liaison in the Education Department’s Office of Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs.

When she begins work in July, Wilson will take the lead in efforts to communicate information about department initiatives, policies and programs to state and local elected officials and other federal agencies. In addition, Wilson will work toward building additional partnerships with business and community members to promote and support a quality education for all children.

Wilson, a native of Somerville, N.J., most recently served as acting director of the New Jersey governor’s Washington D.C. office, representing and promoting the state’s interests in the areas of health, education and labor. From 1989 – 1994, she was a legislative analyst in the Department of Education. Prior to that, Wilson worked in the offices of Reps. Robert Michel and Millicent Fenwick.

Wilson received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Last week, President Bush announced his intent to nominate Laurie Rich as the assistant secretary for the Office of Intergovernmental and Interagency Affairs.

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