North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction, Mo Green, has announced three new appointments to the executive leadership team at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). The appointees are Mark Dessauer, Dr. Derrick Jordan, and Dr. Michael Maher.
Mark Dessauer will take on the role of chief communications officer starting February 10. He is currently a senior vice president at Spitfire Strategies in Durham and has extensive experience in strategic communications for nonprofits and foundations such as the JPMorganChase Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation. His academic background includes a master’s degree in international communications from American University and a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Miami University.
Green expressed his enthusiasm about Dessauer's appointment by stating, “Communications is critical to our work at NCDPI,” adding that Dessauer's leadership and strategic skills would support their mission to celebrate public education in North Carolina.
Dr. Derrick Jordan will assume the position of chief operations officer on January 20. With a career beginning in 1999, he has held various roles ranging from teacher to district superintendent and most recently served as deputy state superintendent of educator and student advancement at NCDPI. His educational qualifications include a doctorate degree in educational leadership from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Green praised Jordan’s dedication by saying, “Derrick Jordan’s consistent investment in students and teachers throughout his career makes him the perfect fit for the executive leadership team at NCDPI.”
Dr. Michael Maher is appointed as chief accountability officer effective January 20. Currently serving as deputy superintendent for standards, accountability, and research at NCDPI, Maher has been instrumental during COVID-19 relief efforts. He holds both a doctorate and master’s degrees from North Carolina State University (NCSU) along with a bachelor’s degree from Belmont Abbey College.
Green acknowledged Maher's contributions over recent years: “Michael Maher’s contributions to NCDPI over the past four years have been pivotal as our schools fight to help students overcome the challenges of learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
These appointments are part of Green's strategy to enhance educational outcomes across North Carolina through strong leadership.
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