Gov. Ned Lamont has nominated Charlene M. Russell-Tucker to serve as commissioner of the state Department of Education.

The announcement was made today.

The nomination follows a unanimous vote earlier in the day by the State Board of Education recommending her appointment to the governor under a process required by state statute.

Russell-Tucker has been serving at the state Department of Education for more than 20 years in several roles, including most recently as deputy commissioner, in which she has been responsible for overseeing educational support and wellness priorities.

Lamont says Russell-Tucker’s leadership during this interim period has been so impressive that he asked her to permanently fill the position.

Russell-Tucker plans to continue to build an education system that is resilient to challenges.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona was the previous commissioner of the state Department of Education until accepting his role under President Joe Biden.