Last Updated on September 3, 2024 7:16 pm
The North Carolina Community College System has named Amy Mast as the new Executive Director of State Board Relations. Mast, known by colleagues as a partner-driven leader and champion of students, educators, and educational opportunity, has more than 25 years of experience in education, workforce development, public policy, and philanthropy.
Mast will work with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges to promote and enhance the success of the System and support the board to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in setting policy and establishing guidance that provides strategic direction.
“Amy Mast’s extensive background in government, education, and non-profits, coupled with her leadership qualities, will indeed be a great asset to the System,” said State Board Chair, Tom Looney. “Her ability to deliver change, build relationships, and focus on results will certainly contribute to the system’s aggressive modernization efforts and overall success.”
Mast brings senior leadership experience at the national, state, regional, and community levels to improve education, student success, high-demand workforce innovation, and economic opportunity. She has served with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, the Council of Chief State School Officers, Achieve, Inc, and the United Way of Greater Atlanta. Mast has also served with family foundations in the philanthropic sector, government agencies, and private companies to leverage public and private investments and resources.
In Georgia, she directed the Alliance of Education Agency Heads, the state’s education coordinating cabinet, working closely with the Governor’s Office, state agencies and boards, educators, business executives, legislators, funders, and partners to align policy, budget, research, state longitudinal data system, communications, and accountability priorities in early learning, K-12 education, postsecondary education, and workforce development.
“I am thrilled to be joining the North Carolina Community College System, one of the highest regarded postsecondary systems in the country. I am passionate about the role and value of community colleges in providing high-quality education and high-paying workforce opportunities for students and adult learners,” Mast said. “I am eager to use my skills and experience to improve education, workforce, and economic development outcomes throughout North Carolina.”
Mast graduated from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education with a master’s in education degree in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Anthropology from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina.
“As someone who grew up in Boone, Amy has deep roots and connections across North Carolina. She has worked for decades in Georgia in the highest levels of state government and at the intersection of education and workforce. Amy is going to be a tremendous asset to our State Board and our NC Community College System overall,” said System President, Dr. Jeff Cox.
Mast is transitioning from her work in Georgia to the NC Community System Office in Raleigh and began working for the System Office in late July.
