An unfailing advocate for public education and the well-being of America's families, Lamar Alexander transformed the state of Tennessee during his tenure as governor.

Through groundbreaking international partnerships, he saw his native state become the third largest automobile producer in the country. Family incomes grew at the fastest rate in the nation, and Tennessee became the first to pay teachers on a performance-based scale. While chairman of the National Governor's Association, Alexander headed a five-year initiative to develop better schools. While secretary of education under President George Bush, he helped the nation achieve higher academic standards and provided families with a broader range of school choices. A man who earned the respect of a nation during his run for the presidency, Alexander speaks to audiences about the changing political climate and its implications for the economy, society and schools.
 
Alexander is the author of seven books, including "Six Months Off," the story of his family's adventures in Australia. He is an accomplished pianist who has performed with 20 symphony orchestras as well as on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. He received top honors for his work in education, taking home the James B. Conant Award from the Education Commission of the States and the Teddy Roosevelt Award from the National College Athletic Association. Co-founder of Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc., the nation?s largest provider of worksite daycare, he is active on the boards of several private corporations. He is currently the Goodman Visiting Professor of the Practice of Public Service at Harvard University.
 

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