State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today that Glen Price, a public education expert, and Michelle Zumot, a veteran administrator, will serve as his co-chief deputies of the California Department of Education (CDE).

“I am pleased to appoint these two outstanding leaders. They have the skills, experience, talent, and dedication to lead the California Department of Education as it implements huge changes to help all California students,” said Torlakson.

Zumot has been the Assistant Chief Deputy, while Price has most recently served as Interim Chief of Staff of CDE.

Torlakson said the two work well together and have different strengths that complement each other. Their duties split naturally, he said. Glen Price will take the lead on policy and program issues, while Michelle Zumot will head the operational side.

Michelle Zumot has worked for CDE for 12 years in a variety of administrative posts. She has been instrumental in supporting a variety of CDE organizational change efforts and also represents the agency on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the California State Teachers Retirement System Board of Directors.

via Torlakson Announces New Leadership Team – Year 2015 (CA Dept of Education).