FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT
kerry@letmebeclear.com
Minneapolis, MN – BARR Center (Building Assets and Reducing Risks) is expanding its leadership team with the appointment of Lachelle Brant as its first Director of State and Federal Policy. Brant joins the organization after serving as the Deputy Policy Director for Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, bringing more than 20 years of experience across classrooms, state government, and education policy.
During her time in the Wyoming Governor’s Office, Brant helped launch Wyoming’s RIDE (Reimagining and Innovating the Delivery of Education) Initiative, a statewide effort to transform education through community collaboration, personalized learning and career-connected pathways for students. Previously she served in roles at the Wyoming Department of Education and State Treasurer’s Office, and began her career as an elementary school teacher.
“Lachelle is a proven education policy leader who has shaped educational priorities at the highest level of state government. From the classroom to the statehouse, Lachelle brings a deep understanding of how policy and practice intersect to drive student success,” said BARR Center Executive Director Angela Jerabek. “Her leadership will help us expand the reach of the BARR Model and strengthen our partnerships with educators and policymakers nationwide.”
“I saw the BARR Model’s power to transform schools first-hand in Wyoming. Governor Gordon even called the BARR Model a ‘bright spot’ in the state’s education system,” said BARR Center Director of State and Federal Policy Lachelle Brant. “In this role, I’ll be focused on ensuring more schools across the country can access this model that makes a real difference for teachers, students and families.”
As Director of State and Federal Policy, Brant will lead BARR’s efforts to collaborate with lawmakers and education leaders to reach more schools across the country. The BARR Model is currently implemented in nearly 500 schools across 24 states, improving academic outcomes and engagement for students through a focus on relationships, data and strengths.