Smarter Balanced Names Karen Barton Deputy Executive Director
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Santa Clara – October 12, 2026 -- Smarter Balanced has appointed Dr. Karen Barton as Deputy Executive Director, effective October 12, 2026, adding a leader with more than two decades of assessment and learning experience to its senior team.
Barton to oversee major operational portfolios under Executive Director Tony Alpert
Barton will work closely with Executive Director Tony Alpert. Her remit covers major operational portfolios, coordination across teams, and the alignment of resources with the Consortium's strategic priorities and member needs.
Interview panels including member agency representatives backed her unanimously
Alpert said Barton earned unanimous support from the Consortium's multidisciplinary interview panels. The panels included representatives from member education agencies. He said she combines a student-centered focus with the skills needed to lead complex operations.