Business Professionals of America, Inc. (BPA) is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Amber McNew to the organization’s National Center staff as the Director of Education.

Serving in this role, McNew will steward the design, development and implementation of innovative education programs for students, advisors and other vested stakeholders. She will also coordinate and engage in strategic planning and grant development to further advance the organization’s vision of being a key innovator in Career and Technical Education (CTE).

In addition, she will oversee the development, implementation, distribution and assessment of the organization’s keystone Workplace Skills Assessment Program (WSAP), which is considered a primary intra-curricular component of Business Professionals of America. The WSAP offers over 90 competitive events under five Assessment Areas including Finance, Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Digital Communication & Design and Management, Marketing & Communications.

McNew brings 25 years of education experience with her to the position, nearly 20 of which have been with BPA. She has led and served at every level of the organization, from local and state advisor, to member of the organization’s Classroom Educators Advisory Council (CEAC), State Association Advisory Council (SAAC) and Board of Trustees. Additionally, she has authored several exams for the organization, was awarded with the inaugural National BPA Advisor of the Year Award in 2012 and was most recently honored by the National Association as a 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee.

“We are thrilled to welcome Amber to the National Center staff as she has been a driving force within our organization for many years possessing a demonstrated record of experience and dedication to Business Professionals of America and the students we serve,” said Executive Director Dr. LouAnn Ross. “She is focused and determined on developing industry-leading educational programs and services that will provide our members with opportunities for growth, advancement and success in their future endeavors. Amber exemplifies what we mean by Giving Purpose to Potential.”

McNew lives in Kansas where she is currently a business teacher and department chair at Maize South High School in Wichita. She holds various degrees and certifications including a BA in Business Education, BS in Comprehensive Business Administration, MS in Education, MS in School Leadership, and Certifications and Credentials in Vocational, Business and Global Career Development. When not in the classroom or focused on BPA, she is a proud mom who enjoys watching her 13-year-old son Taton play baseball and visits with her daughter Alayna, who is currently a junior at Oklahoma State University.