U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today announced the appointment of Kristine Cohn as the secretary's regional representative for Region V, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

"I am thrilled to have Kristine Cohn at the Department," Paige said. "I look forward to her assistance as we work together to implement the education reforms of the No Child Left Behind Act so that all children in our nation can achieve and receive the quality education they deserve."

The Department of Education maintains 10 regional offices throughout the country to represent Department programs and interests. As the secretary's regional representative, Cohn will serve as the Department's liaison to state and local education agencies, public and private schools, colleges and universities, and elected representatives of local and state government organizations. In addition, Cohn will provide information about Department programs and initiatives to key constituency groups, including parents, members of the business community and civic leaders.

Cohn joins the Department after serving as board chairman for Winnebago County in Illinois for nearly eight years. During this time, she also served as president of the Winnebago County Forest Preserve. In addition, from 1994 to 1996, she served as clerk for Winnebago County, and from 1991 to 1994, she served as commissioner in the Rockford Park District.

Cohn began her professional career in 1976 working for the Indiana University Foundation where she developed funds for schools of education and optometry and the athletic department. From 1981 to 1985, she was the director of school and community relations in Rockford Public Schools.

Cohn has been actively involved in numerous community activities and boards throughout Winnebago County and the state of Illinois. The community activities for which she has volunteered and the boards on which she has served include: Workforce Investment Board, Carrie Lynn Children's Center, Crimestoppers, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, and the Northern Illinois Botanical Society.

Cohn earned her bachelor's degree in sociology and political science in 1974 and a master's degree in university administration and business from Indiana University in 1976.

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