At a special called meeting on July 31, 2024, the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) appointed Tavares A. Walker as the new BESE Executive Director.
“Mr. Walker’s career and life experiences align well with BESE’s mission to provide leadership and create policies for education that expand opportunities for children, empower families and communities, and advance Louisiana in an increasingly competitive global market,” said BESE President Ronnie Morris.
“I am deeply honored to be selected for this position,” said Mr. Walker. “I am equally excited for the opportunity to help BESE with driving education policy that aligns with our ongoing workforce needs and reforms needed to achieve the world-class education system we all desire and our students deserve.”
Tavares A. Walker most recently served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration at the Louisiana Workforce Commission, where he was responsible for policy and administrative oversight of various units, and administration of the budgets for both the Office of Workers’ Compensation and Second Injury Board. As a governor’s appointee, he served as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration and the Office of Workforce Development at LWC from August 2020 – January 2024.
Prior to his time at LWC, Mr. Walker worked as Associate General Counsel and System Executive Director for Compliance and Ethics at Southern University, where he advised the Board of Supervisors, University President and Chancellors, administration and faculty on various education policies and regulatory issues. He represented the university before administrative and judicial bodies. He also served as Director and Title IX Coordinator in Office of Career Services and Title IX Compliance at the Southern University Law Center, and served as Captain – Rear Detachment Command Judge Advocate with the LA Army National Guard.
The role of the Executive Director is to manage the operations of BESE and assist the Board in discharging its constitutional and statutory duties. Shan Davis, who retired in April, previously held the position. BESE 8(g) Director Kimberly Tripeaux has served as the interim director.
“As the new Executive Director, Mr. Walker’s initial charges include leading the Board to develop a strategic plan to enhance our educational initiatives,” said Morris. “He will also lead the planning and implementation of a statewide tour, meeting with school systems, community members, and business leaders to help them appreciate the value of our new student intern initiative. This initiative provides students with a work-based learning experience that makes education relevant and fosters stronger communities through relationship building.”
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For more information, contact:
Kevin Calbert
kevin.calbert@la.gov
The mission of BESE is to provide leadership and create policies for education that expand opportunities for children, empower families and communities, and advance Louisiana in an increasingly competitive global market.