Kevin Jennings to Leave Dept. of Education

Kevin Jennings, founder and former executive director of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network who has served in the U.S. Department of Education since his appointment in 2009, will leave his administration post to become president and CEO of Be the Change, a nonprofit public service and organizing group.

Be the Change announced in a Thursday news release that Jennings will lead the organization effective July 25, replacing founder Alan Khazel, who also cofounded City Year.

The target of social conservatives during his Education Department tenure, Jennings has served as assistant deputy secretary for the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. He said in the news announcement that he is "incredibly excited to return to the nonprofit sector."

In a statement, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said Jennings "has served with distinction, leading our efforts to make our schools safe places where every child can focus on learning. We are proud of his dedicated service to the Administration and wish him all the best in his new role at Be the Change."

The full press release from Be the Change is available here.