2024 Education Excellence Conference

Dr. Katy Anthes joined Public Education & Business Coalition (PEBC) in 2023 to spearhead PEBC’s new initiative: FORWARD: From Polarization to Progress.

From 2016 to 2023, Dr. Anthes served as the Commissioner of Education in Colorado, known for her commitment to listening to diverse perspectives and developing solutions based on productive middle ground. Her focus was on enhancing student achievement by providing high-quality expertise and support to policymakers, districts, and educators.

As commissioner, she collaborated with the Colorado State Board of Education, the legislature, and the governor to implement a vision for Colorado’s education system. She led the Colorado Department of Education, an $8 billion agency dedicated to student success. Dr. Anthes also served on the Council of Chief State School Officers Board of Directors, the Education Commission of the States Steering Committee, and Chiefs for Change.

From 2011 to 2023, Dr. Anthes held various leadership roles at CDE, including chief of staff, interim associate commissioner for achievement and strategy, and executive director of educator effectiveness. She led efforts to support and retain highly effective educators in Colorado.

Before joining CDE, she was a partner with the Third Mile Group, leading and researching major education initiatives for state, district, and national organizations. Her projects included the Colorado School Leadership Academy Board, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Commission, and evaluations of district education programs across the state.

Dr. Anthes holds a Ph.D. in public policy and a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Colorado Denver and completed her undergraduate work at the University of Oregon.