One of the most important things we do at 50CAN is support outstanding local advocates who are committed to creating the future of American education. Our network is filled with executive directors who combine expertise and dedication to bring about meaningful change for kids. It’s an honor to work with them daily.

With that in mind, we are thrilled to announce Chelsea Crawford as the new Executive Director of TennesseeCAN. Chelsea succeeds our long-serving Executive Director, Victor Evans, and brings both a wealth of experience in educational policy and a deep passion for advocacy, having spent the past four years at the Tennessee Department of Education as both the assistant commissioner for communications and as chief of staff.

Under Chelsea’s leadership, we are confident that TennesseeCAN will continue its vital work, including cultivating an expanded set of champions at the statehouse who are eager to meet the immediate needs of kids and families.

I know I speak for everyone at 50CAN when I express our heartfelt thanks to Victor Evans for his exceptional leadership at the helm of TennesseeCAN. Victor has been a tireless advocate for many education policies that put children first and expanded educational opportunity. While his accomplishments were considerable, most notable among them was his pivotal role in passing the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act (TISA), a comprehensive, student-centered funding reform bill. Victor and Chelsea are working closely together throughout the transition and we’re thankful that he will continue to serve as an advisor to both TennesseeCAN and the national 50CAN network.

Please join us in welcoming Chelsea Crawford to her new role. We are grateful to have her as a member of the 50CAN family.