Office of the Governor > News > Press Releases > 2017 Press Releases > Justice Appoints Sullivan and Wallace to Board of Education
Justice Appoints Sullivan and Wallace to Board of Education
CHARLESTON, WV — Governor Jim Justice announced today that he is appointing Deborah Sullivan of Charleston and Joseph Wallace of Elkins to serve on the State Board of Education.
"Deborah Sullivan and Joe Wallace will make great additions to the Board of Education," said Governor Jim Justice. "Both of them bring a passion to improve West Virginia's public schools for all students. Debra has the frontline experience and professional credentials to transform West Virginia schools. Joe's private sector background and community involvement are essential to providing a fresh set of eyes for our education system."
Debra K. Sullivan brings a well-rounded background to the State Board of Education -- classroom teacher, instructional coordinator at both the county and state levels, and school principal, most recently retiring as principal of Charleston Catholic High School. She has worked with public and private schools in rural, suburban, and urban settings in Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia (Fayette and Putnam counties and Charleston). Active in her community, Sullivan is a member of the Greater Kanawha Foundation Board of Trustees, the State Library Commission, and the Kanawha County Public Library Board.
Joseph Wallace is an attorney and a native of Elkins, WV. Wallace will bring significant legal experience to the state board of education. He's been practicing law in West Virginia since 1969. In addition, Mr. Wallace served for nine years in the United States Army and has been very involved in his local community since returning to civilian life. In 1986, Joe was named a Distinguished West Virginian, the state's highest award. Also, in 1992, Wallace was named West Virginia's Socially Responsible Entrepreneur of the Year.
Grant Herring — Grant.W.Herring@wv.gov