Dr. Jay Linksman

Executive Director

Jay has been the Executive Director of the Professional Development Alliance (PDA) since its inception in 1995. Prior to working with the Regional Offices of Education to create the PDA, Jay served as the Executive Director of the Tri-County Educational Service Center. His background as a teacher, school and district level administrator, consultant, trainer, speaker, and regional service provider helps ensure that the programs and services of the PDA are always focused on the real needs of teachers and administrators in educating children.

In addition to presenting at national, regional and state conferences on organizational leadership and various educational topics, Jay has an extensive background in strategic and operational planning, meeting facilitation, and teamwork. He has served on numerous state-level advisory committees and task-forces, dealing with topics such as regional professional development delivery systems, assessment, and standards and curriculum. He has also been instrumental in creating and championing the Standards Aligned Classroom Initiative, serving from its creation as the chair of the statewide design team.

Jay received his undergraduate and Master's degrees from the University of Virginia and his doctorate in Leadership was earned from Florida Atlantic University in a dual study program with the School of Education and the School of Public Administration.