CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Board of Education on Thursday welcomed its newest member, Morgantown businessman Michael Green. Appointed to the state board by Gov. Joe Manchin, Green will serve a nine-year term ending in 2018. He replaces Barbara Fish of Wood County, whose term expired Nov. 4.
“Mr. Green’s expertise will be an invaluable asset as board members work together for the betterment of West Virginia’s children,” said state Board of Education President Priscilla Haden. “We look forward to working with him.”
Green, who has been an advisor, investor and board member for several privately held technology companies, earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Boston University and a master’s degree in numerical science from Johns Hopkins University. He was recruited to join technology company Loudcloud Inc. and served as its president of field operations from May 2000 through May 2001. He is currently the chairman of the board of Pittsburgh-based Landslide Technologies Inc.
“The state board has a number of talented individuals who truly give a great deal of time and effort to continue to build our education system,” Manchin said. “Michael Green brings a wealth of knowledge, an extensive technology background and tremendous level of business expertise that will add more depth to the state board and will help it sustain for many years to come.”
Green began his career in 1969 as a mathematician, cryptanalyst and software developer at the National Security Agency. In 1979, he began his career in the private sector when he joined Network Systems Corp., a developer and manufacturer of high-speed networking equipment, as a sales manager. After 10 years at Network Systems, he held a similar job at California-based Ultra Network Technologies. He moved to FORE Systems Inc. in 1992, serving as senior vice president and general manager of worldwide sales. FORE Systems was sold to Marconi in 1999.
“I would like to thank the governor for giving me this opportunity to serve,” Green said. “I look forward to working collectively with the board to help continue its mission to improve education and better prepare our young people for a bright future.”
The West Virginia Board of Education's 12 members include nine citizens appointed by the governor and three non-voting ex-officio members — the state superintendent, the chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the chancellor of the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education. Board members serve overlapping terms of nine years, and no more than five citizen members may belong to the same political party.
The West Virginia Board of Education is established in the West Virginia Constitution and is vested with general supervision of the state's elementary and secondary schools. The board meets monthly to determine state policies and to establish the rules that carry into effect state law regarding education. The state Board of Education also has general control, supervision and management of the business and educational affairs of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and Blind.
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