FALMOUTH — After working in the field of adult education for nearly 30 years, a local resident has been elected president of the Commission on Basic Adult Education, a national board that advocates for adult education.

Thomas Nash, director of Windham-Raymond Adult Education, was elected at a national conference in New Orleans. He has been involved with the organization for the past nine years.

“(My election) speaks well for the reputation of Maine adult education, which has always been seen as a leader in providing services and creative programming for adults,” Nash said.

According to Nash, Maine has a reputation for being on the cutting edge of adult education. Most recently, the state has integrated technology into its adult-education classrooms and developed a statewide portal for programs.

In his new role, which begins July 1, Nash will be working on the next two national conferences and examining the efficacy of adult education across the country.

“I think there are some challenges coming down the road,” he said, citing immigration reform as one of them. “(Our job) is to look at what we can do to make sure that adult education programs have the funds they need to provide the services needed.”

Nash said he believes he was elected because he is a deliberate, inclusive decision-maker. He said he wants to ensure that the organization and adult education across the country continue to thrive.

“All stakeholders need to have a say in what is happening,” Nash said. “I want to make sure I am asking the tough, challenging questions other people may not feel comfortable asking.”

Amber Cronin can be reached at acronin@theforecaster.net or 781-3661 ext. 125. Follow her on Twitter @croninamber.

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