All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

West Virginia native named National School Boards Association Interim Executive Director and CEO

Alexandria, Va.­­—The National School Boards Association (NSBA) recently announced that Chief Advocacy Officer Chip Slaven has assumed leadership of NSBA as interim Executive Director and CEO.

“I am pleased to announce Chip Slaven as NSBA’s interim Executive Director and CEO,” said Dr. Viola M. Garcia, NSBA President. “Chip has more than two decades of experience as a passionate advocate for public education and our nation’s students. He’s a trusted voice who our state associations know and respect.”

As NSBA’s Chief Advocacy Officer, Chip led a federal advocacy team that secured approximately $200 billion for K-12 public schools in the COVID-19 recovery packages Congress passed in 2020 and 2021. He also launched NSBA’s Public School Transformation Now! initiative and a major grassroots campaign to close the ‘Homework Gap,’ which affects as many as 17 million students who lack internet access in their homes.

“I’m honored to take the helm of the National School Boards Association during such an important moment for education,” said Slaven. “America’s public schools and the nearly 51 million students who attend them are going through an extremely turbulent time. As the dark clouds of the COVID-19 pandemic begin to clear, I’m focused on ensuring that students, schools, and school districts receive the support and resources they need to ensure a safe return to classrooms this fall. I’m also committed to supporting NSBA’s Board of Directors, NSBA staff, and our state association members during this transition period.”

Slaven hit the ground running as he began his new leadership role. Earlier this week, he spoke to the Southern Legislative Conference in Nashville, participated in NSBA’s Equity Symposium, and will be joining other major education leaders in an important collaboration meeting focused on the future of student success in public schools.

“I promise this is the just the beginning of an aggressive advocacy effort on behalf of our members and public schools,” Slaven said.

Prior to joining NSBA, Slaven was Counsel to the President at the Alliance for Excellent Education. He originated Digital Learning Day, a national grassroots education campaign; managed campaigns to close the digital divide for traditionally underserved students; and authored the Each Child Learns Act, which is model legislation on personalized and digital learning–key components for school transformation. Slaven is active in numerous education organizations, including as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Coalition for Technology in Education and Training, the Remake Learning Council, and the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative. He also serves as an advisor to digiLEARN, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating digital learning for students.

Slaven has extensive government relations and legal experience having served as director of federal policy and intergovernmental affairs for former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise and district director for former U.S. Representative Wise. He also was an attorney at Jackson Kelly PLLC and a law clerk for the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of West Virginia. He is licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and state of West Virginia.

A proud product of West Virginia public schools, Slaven graduated from Grafton High School and received his undergraduate and law degrees from West Virginia University.

Slaven is replacing departing CEO Anna Maria Chávez who resigned to enter the private sector.

“The NSBA Board of Directors thanks Anna Maria Chávez for the hard work and dedication she’s shown toward NSBA and its members during her time as Executive Director and CEO,” said Garcia.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Edna Karickhoff

Edna Karickhoff, 91, a homemaker and member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, died May 19, 2025, and is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; funeral services are Thursday.

Strawberry Festival parade showcases power of music to connect communities — and cultures

A musical exchange between Bridgeport High School and Carmen Southeast High brought Appalachian and Latin rhythms — and award-winning performances — to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, fostering cross-cultural friendships and greater musical understanding among students.

Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trails see major growth thanks to dedicated volunteers

Thanks to the volunteer-driven Upshur County Trails group, Buckhannon-Upshur’s mountain bike trail system has expanded to about 10 miles, supporting biking, hiking, and community events while fostering local partnerships and youth engagement.

WVWC Student Senate names faculty, staff members of the year

The West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate honored Dr. Alexis de Coning and Amy Rogosky as Faculty and Staff Members of the Year for their exceptional dedication to students and the campus community.

Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas from May 30 – June 1

The Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival returns to Thomas, WV, May 30–June 1, offering expanded clinics, vendors, competitions, family activities, and community gatherings for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Jaxon Spratt and Rylen Carlyle

Jaxon Spratt, a standout baseball catcher, and Rylen Carlyle, a talented track athlete, were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars for their performances in regional competition for Buckhannon-Upshur.
BUHS Golf Feature Image

Parker and Westfall to represent B-U in North-South All-Star Golf Tournament

Buckhannon-Upshur seniors Parker Lockwood and Jevon Westfall will represent the North Bears in the second annual North-South All-Star Golf Tournament at Little Creek Golf Course, joining seven other top high school golfers.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 20, 2025

Buckhannon residents can look forward to the Jack Barker Memorial Race & Fun Paddle, school art show reception, FFA greenhouse sale, and a community book swap event at The Yellow Door.

Allyson Peters Lewis honored with prestigious honorary American FFA degree at National FFA Convention & Expo

Allyson Peters Lewis, a dedicated agricultural educator, has been awarded the prestigious Honorary American FFA Degree for her long-standing commitment to advancing agricultural education and inspiring student success nationwide.

Retired firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen recognized for service and sacrifice

Retired Buckhannon Volunteer Firefighters Jim Gregory and Brian Hollen were honored by the Buckhannon Fire Department for their years of service and sacrifice during the annual Friendly Way Day celebration.

Healthy Grandfamilies offers free workshops and support for Upshur grandparents this summer

The Healthy Grandfamilies program, offering free weekly support sessions, childcare, and resources for grandparents raising grandchildren, returns to Upshur County starting June 12 at the Upshur County Recreational Park pavilion.

West Virginia Wesleyan College announces President’s List, Provost’s List for spring 2025

West Virginia Wesleyan College recognized students on the President’s List for earning a 4.0 GPA and on the Provost’s List for achieving at least a 3.5 GPA during the Spring 2025 semester.