ACT Expands Washington Office

ACT is expanding its Washington, DC office to respond to education policymakers’ increasing need for research-based solutions to national education and workforce issues.

The company has maintained an office at One Dupont Circle for many years. The purpose of this office has always been to facilitate relationships with Washington-based professional organizations and government agencies and provide information available through ACT’s extensive array of education and workforce assessment programs.

The need for an expanded ACT presence in Washington was prompted by recognition that education policymakers are aggressively seeking to shape strategies for enhancing students’ readiness for college and the workplace and that ACT is uniquely positioned to provide responsive programs and services that offer data-driven solutions.

“Today, ACT is engaged far more broadly in issues related to education and workforce readiness than ever before. It’s essential that those in Washington are aware of the solutions we offer to help people achieve college and workplace success,” said Richard L. Ferguson, ACT CEO and chairman of the board.

Charles Smith

As vice president and head of the office, Charles Smith is directing the effort to broaden the scope of the Washington office.

He brings extensive experience in education and workforce issues to his new role. Prior to joining ACT in August 2008, he served two three-year terms as executive director of the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) and held top leadership positions, including commissioner of education and chancellor of the State Board of Regents, during a 32-year career in Tennessee state government.

“ACT provides solutions that align very closely with the issues our nation has been tackling over the past few years,” said Smith. “The challenge we have is to ensure that government policymakers and leaders of the various national associations based in Washington are aware that ACT has in place successful data-driven solutions to many of the major educational problems confronting our nation.”

Tom Lindsley

Tom Lindsley serves as director of federal relations for the Washington office. His responsibilities include working jointly with a variety of organizations in Washington on effective research-based public policy solutions to critical education and workforce issues.

Prior to joining ACT in 2007, Lindsley was affiliated with the National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA). Lindsley has also served as vice president for policy and government relations at the National Alliance of Business and as a professional staff member for the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

Jenelle Oxendine

Jenelle Oxendine is the administrative research assistant in the office. She manages the office and participates in a variety of projects. Oxendine joined ACT in June 2008 after graduating from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

“We have high expectations of the Washington office to help us continue offering the high-level information, solutions, and resources that the people we serve have come to count on us to provide,” said Ferguson. “With this highly experienced staff, ACT continues its commitment to help people achieve education and career success.”

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