Columbia – Deb Marks, Vice President of Operations and Program Director for SC Parents’ Involved in Education, has been appointed to serve as the newest member of the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC). Marks was appointed as Senator John Courson’s business representative, replacing John Warner, whose term had expired.

Marks received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado, majoring in Physical Education and Business Education. She has taken additional coursework in advanced accounting from Cameron University in Oklahoma. Marks has over 30 years of combined experience and training in business and education.

A native of Colorado, she has lived in South Carolina for over 20 years. A resident of Columbia, SC, Marks has been employed with SC Parents Involved in Education since 2005. In her current role, she is responsible for managing grant projects, implementing the evaluation of programs in schools and communities, coordinating communications and social media, as well as organizing and developing training events for educators and faith community leaders.

Marks serves on the National Board of Directors for Citizens for Objective Public Education, Inc. (COPE). She has been involved in many community activities, including leading her homeowners’ association board for over 10 years, and being involved as a local leader in South Carolina and Virginia with the Boy Scouts of America. She has been recognized for her role as a PTO President in Virginia as well as her service to U.S. Army communities located in Italy where she was awarded the Artillery Order of “Molly Pitcher”.

“My appointment by Senator John Courson to the Education Oversight Committee is an extraordinary opportunity to contribute and take part in the process for strategic and sustained improvements in South Carolina’s educational system. I am honored by his confidence in me and look forward to serving South Carolina in this capacity,” stated Marks. “I welcome feedback from education stakeholders across South Carolina on how best to increase confidence in education for South Carolina and how to move our state to the forefront on educational improvement and accountability.”

The SC Education Oversight Committee is an independent, non-partisan group made up of 18 educators, business persons, and elected leaders. Created in 1998, the committee is dedicated to reporting facts, measuring change, and promoting progress within South Carolina’s education system.