(CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Tenn.) – Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) has appointed two exceptional individuals, both hailing from Cumberland County to crucial education positions aimed at driving positive change in their respective fields.

Ina F. Maxwell, Ph.D., has been appointed to the State Board of Education, bringing her 35 years of experience in education and administration from the Cumberland County school system. Dr. Maxwell’s impressive credentials include a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education, with a concentration in Literacy, and an extensive background in instructional facilitation and federal programs management. With over two decades on the Cumberland County Board of Education, Dr. Maxwell has trained over 300 teachers and directed countless Federal programs to student literacy and teacher instruction throughout the state. Dr. Maxwell has a passion for teaching and still works as a substitute even after retiring as the Director of Schools in 2022.

Concurrently, fellow Cumberland County resident Bekkie Atkinson has been appointed as a member of the State Textbook and Instructional Material Quality Commission. Bekkie, a cherished member of the Cumberland County High School faculty, has dedicated 23 years of service as the school librarian. With over three decades of profound experience in the field of education, Mrs. Atkinson stands as a highly qualified individual to contribute to the Commission in its important duty to recommend educational materials for approval to our State Board of Education.

The appointment of these two exceptional individuals reflects a commitment to drawing upon Cumberland County’s rich talent pool to spearhead progress and excellence in key sectors within our state. Their strong ties to the community will undoubtedly bring a unique and valuable perspective to their respective roles, ensuring a positive impact on Cumberland County and beyond.

In light of their outstanding qualifications, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to their community, Speaker Sexton is confident that both Dr. Maxwell and Mrs. Atkinson are poised to lead with distinction and drive positive change in their new capacities.