CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- On July 10, The Education Alliance named Virginia education official Tammy McGraw as its new president and chief executive officer. About a week later, she stepped down.

McGraw, a native West Virginian, serves as director in the Office of Educational Technology for the Virginia Department of Education in Richmond. She started her career as an art teacher at the former Mullens High School in Wyoming County.

"I think ... she felt that the organization would be better served by an individual with stronger ties to the business community of West Virginia," said Jeri Matheney, chairwoman of the Education Alliance's board of directors.

But in a news release issued July 10, McGraw was quoted as saying, "I am honored to be asked to serve public education in West Virginia in this capacity. I look forward to coming home and working with the board, business and public officials, schools and families to ensure that all children in West Virginia receive a world-class education."

McGraw did not return phone or e-mail requests for comment Monday.  

Matheney said board members have not yet set a timetable for filling the position.

"I know that she's scheduled some meetings and I know they'll be figuring it out," said Hazel Palmer, the outgoing president and chief executive officer. She planned to step down Sept. 1.

Palmer did not say whether she would continue on the job after Sept. 1, but she said she would talk with Matheney about options.

"I've always said that I'd be willing to work in a part-time or special consulting role if they wished it," she said.       

McGraw has 24 years of teaching, nonprofit and business experience at Virginia Tech, the Appalachia Educational Laboratory, Franklin County Public Schools and Intelligen LLC.

The Education Alliance is a Charleston-based nonprofit that tries to increase community, business and labor's involvement in public education.

Reach Davin White at davinwh...@wvgazette.com or 348-1254.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- On July 10, The Education Alliance named Virginia education official Tammy McGraw as its new president and chief executive officer. About a week later, she stepped down.

McGraw, a native West Virginian, serves as director in the Office of Educational Technology for the Virginia Department of Education in Richmond. She started her career as an art teacher at the former Mullens High School in Wyoming County.

"I think ... she felt that the organization would be better served by an individual with stronger ties to the business community of West Virginia," said Jeri Matheney, chairwoman of the Education Alliance's board of directors.

But in a news release issued July 10, McGraw was quoted as saying, "I am honored to be asked to serve public education in West Virginia in this capacity. I look forward to coming home and working with the board, business and public officials, schools and families to ensure that all children in West Virginia receive a world-class education."

McGraw did not return phone or e-mail requests for comment Monday.  

Matheney said board members have not yet set a timetable for filling the position.

"I know that she's scheduled some meetings and I know they'll be figuring it out," said Hazel Palmer, the outgoing president and chief executive officer. She planned to step down Sept. 1.

Palmer did not say whether she would continue on the job after Sept. 1, but she said she would talk with Matheney about options.

"I've always said that I'd be willing to work in a part-time or special consulting role if they wished it," she said.       

McGraw has 24 years of teaching, nonprofit and business experience at Virginia Tech, the Appalachia Educational Laboratory, Franklin County Public Schools and Intelligen LLC.

The Education Alliance is a Charleston-based nonprofit that tries to increase community, business and labor's involvement in public education.

Reach Davin White at davinwh...@wvgazette.com or 348-1254.