[Washington, DC, 28 September 2024] The National Coalition for Literacy (NCL), an alliance of the leading national and regional organizations dedicated to advancing adult education, family literacy, and English language acquisition in the United States, is pleased to welcome Jeffrey Fantine as its incoming Executive Director, effective October 1.

Fantine is well known in the fields of adult education, workforce development, and higher education as a provider of professional development and technical assistance to states and local programs. His consulting work focuses on the development and implementation of career pathways that improve college and career readiness, and he is also Associate Professor of Adult Education at The Ohio State University. He served previously as State Director of Adult Education for the Maine Department of Education and as Director of the Center for the Study and Development of Literacy and Language at Ohio University.

“We are delighted to welcome Jeff to NCL,” said Eric Nesheim, President of the NCL Board. “His experience and knowledge, combined with his passion for adult education and his ability to ensure operational excellence, will be instrumental in guiding the organization toward continued success and expansion of its advocacy work.”

“I am honored to be chosen by the NCL Board for this pivotal role,” Fantine stated. “I have been interested in expanding my work in the area of advocacy for some time, so this opportunity comes at just the right point in my career. I’m committed to continuing the collaborative and inclusive approach that characterizes NCL as a membership organization, and I look forward to deepening my relationships with the member representatives that I know and developing effective partnerships with those I’ll be meeting soon.”  

Fantine holds the Master of Education in Adult and Continuing Education Administration from The Ohio State University and the Doctor of Education in Adult and Continuing Education Administration from Ohio University. He has previously served on the boards of both the National Coalition for Literacy and the Coalition for Adult Basic Education (COABE).

Fantine succeeds Deborah Kennedy, whose last day as NCL Executive Director will be September 30. Kennedy will continue working with NCL in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition as Fantine comes on board.

“I could not have hoped for a stronger choice for NCL’s next Executive Director,” Kennedy said. “I’m confident that Jeff will bring vision and energy to the organization’s work. I look forward to appreciating the many ways he will strengthen NCL’s advocacy for adult education and family literacy.”