Lexi Barrett, a seasoned education advocate, steps into the crucial role to further the department’s mission of promoting educational opportunity and progress for all students across the nation.
Lexi Barrett, a seasoned education advocate, steps into the crucial role to further the department’s mission of promoting educational opportunity and progress for all students across the nation.
United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has announced the appointment of Lexi Barrett as the new chief of staff of the department.
The decision comes as Barrett, a seasoned education advocate, steps into the crucial role to further the department’s mission of promoting educational opportunity and progress for all students across the nation.
“I am thrilled to have Lexi Barrett, a trusted advisor who already commands tremendous respect throughout the U.S. Department of Education, step into this new role as chief of staff,” said Cardona.
Hailing from a family of educators, Barrett has devoted her career to ensuring that federal policies lead to tangible improvements in education.
Her remarkable journey includes several key roles in the Biden-Harris Administration, starting as a senior advisor in the Office of the Secretary in October 2021.
During her tenure with the administration, Barrett also served as a senior advisor for education in the Office of the First Lady. Her contributions were seen as invaluable during Secretary-Designate Cardona’s confirmation process, where she served as a navigator on the Biden-Harris Transition Team.
Before joining the administration, Barrett served as an associate vice president at Jobs for the Future, a national nonprofit organization. Her impressive federal service record includes six years on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant to Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois.
Additionally, she played pivotal roles in the Obama-Biden Administration, serving as a policy advisor in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education and as a senior policy advisor on the Domestic Policy Council at the White House.
Barrett’s extensive background in advancing accountability in higher education, expanding access to early learning programs, and reimagining college and career pathways will undoubtedly be an asset in the department’s continued efforts to raise the bar for students nationwide.
As the new chief of staff, Barrett is set to play a vital role in shaping and implementing the department’s education agenda, fostering collaboration among education stakeholders, and ensuring that all students have access to quality education opportunities.
