California STEM Learning Network Appoints Christopher Roe as New CEO

San Francisco, CA, March 01, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Dr. Warren Baker, Chair of the Board of the California STEM Learning Network (CSLNet) announced today the appointment of Christopher Roe as CSLNet’s Chief Executive Officer.

Roe, age 46, is currently Deputy Director of the Business-Higher Education Forum in Washington, DC. He will join CSLNet on March 15, 2011 with the goal of increasing the state’s capacity to provide high-quality learning opportunities for all students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the critical fields that fuel California’s dynamic economy.

CSLNet was launched in 2008 with a planning grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation. Since that time, CSLNet leadership and stakeholders have been developing a robust statewide network that advances CSLNet’s vision for all students to graduate from high school with the STEM knowledge and skills required for success in postsecondary education, work, and their daily lives.

In announcing Mr. Roe’s appointment, Dr. Baker notes, “We have chosen a leader with a national reputation and local roots as we expand our efforts to address California’s workforce needs and prepare our students to contribute to a vibrant California economy.”

Lauren Dachs, President of the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and a member of the CSLNet board, states, “Chris is a nationally recognized leader and speaker on STEM education with a proven track record in growing organizations that focus on improving student opportunities in STEM, especially for underrepresented students. We think he is an ideal fit for CSLNet.”

Richard Rosen, VP for Education at Battelle Memorial Institute which provides operational support and technical assistance to CSLNet, says of Roe, “Chris has a deep understanding of the opportunities for STEM education as a catalyst for increasing student achievement and college readiness for all students. I've had a chance to see his leadership while he was with BHEF and know that he will bring that same determination and passion to what is needed to help advance California in this area."

Roe said, “It is time to once again make California the shining example of what can be accomplished by unleashing and connecting the tremendous innovative capacity and unique assets of our students, schools and colleges, and cutting-edge companies. I am looking forward to returning to California and to advancing the important work already begun to build a diverse network of leaders who are committed to advancing STEM education and creating a world-class workforce for the state. I believe that CSLNet can help create the momentum and capacity to solve some of our state’s most pressing challenges and make California a better place to live and work.”

In his current position, Roe provides leadership for BHEF’s STEM initiative, which has the goal to double the number of STEM graduates nationally. Roe helped elevate the national dialogue and support for STEM education and, in partnership with Raytheon Company and The Ohio State University’s Battelle Center for Mathematics and Science Education Policy, launched the STEM Research and Modeling Network, an open innovation network devoted to developing cutting edge tools to advance STEM education.

Roe previously was managing director of the Stanford Institute for Higher Education Research and the National Center for Postsecondary Improvement. He is also co-founder of Pacific Educational Group, based in San Francisco, CA, and the Foundation for a College Education (FCE) located in East Palo Alto, CA. Roe received his Master’s in Public Policy from the University of California-Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy and his bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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Please direct inquires to the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation at 415.284.8817 – or to John McDonald, Stone’s Throw, 310-798-3252