Former Virginia Secretary of Education, Dr. Javaid Siddiqi is the President and CEO of The Hunt Institute. Previously, he served as the Director of the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows program, which partners with senior-level political leaders who have the knowledge, skill, and will to be effective, reform-minded education policymakers at the state level. Under his leadership, the national, nonpartisan Fellowship has garnered praise from former governors and generous financial support from major funders across the country.

Dr. Siddiqi’s career spans almost 20 years in education and education reform and policy. He began his profession as a high school teacher, assistant principal, and as a principal in Chesterfield, Virginia, where he led the implementation of Expeditionary Learning – a nationally recognized school reform model. As secretary of education in Gov. Bob McDonnell’s Cabinet, Dr. Siddiqi assisted in the development and implementation of the Commonwealth’s education policy; and provided guidance to 16 public universities, the Virginia Community College System, five higher education and research centers, the Department of Education, and the state-supported museums. Prior to his appointment, he served as deputy secretary of education where he focused his efforts on teacher quality and improving educational outcomes for all students.

In addition to an extensive history of leadership service, Siddiqi continues to actively serve his community and state. He is an Aspen Institute Fellow and serves on the board of Voices for Virginia’s Children. Siddiqi formerly served as Vice-Rector of the Radford University Board of Visitor and as a member of the Chesterfield County School Board. Siddiqi is a graduate of Richard Bland College, Virginia State University, and Virginia Commonwealth University where he received both his undergraduate degree and doctorate in educational leadership.