The National Association for Public Charter Schools announced its new chief executive officer last week--our former U.S. Department of Education colleague, Nina Rees.  Nina is an excellent choice, and was an admired senior official at the Department when she served as the first Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement from 2002-2006.  Nina comes to NAPCS after a six year stint at Knowledge Universe, where she worked on online instruction, early childhood education, and before- and after- school programs.  Charter schools will have an effective--and very aggressive--advocate in Nina.