U.S. Department of Education Celebrates Senate Confirmations for Additional Education Leadership

On October 7, the United States Senate voted to confirm Kimberly Richey 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. The confirmed nominees will work alongside U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Under Secretary Nicholas Kent to implement President Trump's historic mandate to strengthen the American education system.

"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," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "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."

"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," said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. "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."

"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," said Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Kirsten Baesler. "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."

"I am thrilled to join Secretary McMahon's outstanding team at the Department of Education," said Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education Dr. David Barker. "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."

"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," said Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs Mary Christina Riley. "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."

About the Department's Recently Confirmed Leadership:

Kimberly Richey is a certified teacher and attorney who has served in education leadership roles at the state and federal level for over 20 years, serving in senior positions at the Oklahoma, Virginia, and Florida departments of education. Ms. Richey has consulted for various organizations, including Parents Defending Education, and previously served at the U.S. Department of Education from 2004-2009 under the George W. Bush Administration and more recently under the Trump Administration from 2017-2021.

Kirsten Baesler was the longest-serving chief state school officer in the Nation as North Dakota's elected state superintendent of public instruction. Ms. Baesler has built a reputation for championing personalized competency-based learning, implementing the choice ready accountability framework to ensure students are graduating with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to be successful in work, college, or military, and leading statewide efforts to improve student academic achievement.

David Barker is a sixth-generation Iowan with deep experience in higher education policy and governance. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago and has taught economics at both the University of Chicago and the University of Iowa. For the past six years, he has served on the Iowa Board of Regents, which oversees the state's public universities. During his tenure, he has played a key role in advancing cost control measures, promoting academic freedom, and ending discriminatory DEI programs.

Mary Christina Riley most recently served as Professional Staff for the House Committee on Education and Workforce under then-Chairwoman Virginia Foxx. Over the past decade, she has held several roles focused on education and workforce for various members in the U.S. House of Representatives. During the first Trump Administration, Ms. Riley served as Senior Advisor in the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs at the U.S. Department of Education and worked to advance President Trump's higher education agenda with Congress.

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