On October 7, the United States Senate confirmed four nominees to key leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Education. Kimberly Richey was confirmed as Assistant Secretary for the Office for Civil Rights, Kirsten Baesler as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Dr. David Barker as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Postsecondary Education, and Mary Christina Riley as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs. These officials will join Secretary Linda McMahon and Under Secretary Nicholas Kent in implementing President Trump’s education policies.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon commented on the confirmations: "I am thrilled the United States Senate voted to confirm Dr. David Barker, Mary Christina Riley, Kimberly Richey, and Kirsten Baesler to the Department of Education. These additions to our leadership team will be instrumental in carrying out the Trump Administration’s vision for returning education to the states, reforming postsecondary education, and ensuring civil rights are upheld.”
Kimberly Richey expressed her commitment upon confirmation: “I am grateful to return to the Office for Civil Rights at a critical moment when the promise of equal opportunity under the law is being restored. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to advancing the civil rights protections of students, and I am proud to be part of an Administration that is steadfast in its commitment to protecting every student from harassment and exclusion in their educational programs. Under the leadership of Secretary McMahon, I will work tirelessly to ensure that students and families have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Kirsten Baesler stated: “It is an honor to join a team that is focused on improving student outcomes and returning education to the states where it rightfully belongs. I look forward to working alongside Secretary McMahon to promote and streamline what works best in education and ensure every American child has access to an excellent education.”
Dr. David Barker said: “I am thrilled to join Secretary McMahon's outstanding team at the Department of Education. From implementing President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act to reforming accreditation and improving the federal student aid programs, I look forward to working with them to carry out this historic vision to make higher education great again.”
Mary Christina Riley added: “I am truly honored to be confirmed and returning to the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs. Education is at a pivotal moment in our country, and under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary McMahon, American students are on track toward a brighter future. I look forward to promoting the Administration’s priorities on Capitol Hill and serving Secretary McMahon as she works alongside Members of Congress to put American students first by enacting a bold vision for education reform.”
The newly confirmed leaders bring varied experience from both state-level roles and federal service. Kimberly Richey has over two decades in education policy including senior positions within several state departments of education as well as previous federal service during both Bush and Trump administrations.
Kirsten Baesler served as North Dakota’s superintendent of public instruction where she led efforts such as personalized competency-based learning initiatives aimed at preparing students for college or careers.
David Barker has experience teaching economics at major universities such as University of Chicago and University of Iowa; he also served on Iowa’s Board of Regents overseeing public universities with a focus on cost control measures.
Mary Christina Riley previously worked with Congress members on educational issues including time spent advancing higher education legislation during President Trump’s first term.
