Dr. Nicholas Diaz, currently the shared superintendent at Franklin Township School District and Union Township Schools in Hunterdon County, was introduced as the New Jersey School Boards Association’s deputy executive director at a special virtual board of directors meeting on Friday, June 21. He will assume the position in the fall.
Before serving as a shared superintendent, he was superintendent at Frelinghuysen Township School District in Warren County; principal and district technology articulator for Manville School District in Somerset County; and an assistant principal at Somerville schools, also in Somerset County.
In choosing Diaz for the post, the NJSBA went through an extensive process, holding multiple virtual town hall forums with members and staff. The Association called upon several staff members to serve on committees to vet resumes and interview candidates. The names of candidates were not included on resumes, so staff members could remain as unbiased as possible when considering applicants. The Association also relied on an outside search consultant in seeking and vetting candidates.
Dr. Timothy Purnell, executive director and CEO of the Association, thanked staff members for their efforts and noted he was impressed by the caliber of candidates that applied for the job. “We had so many great candidates committed to advancing the education of all children apply for this position, which is a testament to the important work we do each and every day at the NJSBA,” he said. “I am so thrilled to be able to welcome Dr. Diaz to our team. During the interview process, he laid out a vision for driving meaningful progress toward advancing the Association’s strategic pillars of content, connection and advocacy. I believe he will be an effective leader at the Association and will help the organization make meaningful progress toward its strategic objective of enhancing educational governance in New Jersey.”
In addition to his role as a shared superintendent, Diaz is an adjunct professor at Centenary University and was recognized in 2017 as a “Superintendent to Watch” by the National School Public Relations Association.
At the board of directors meeting, Diaz said he was impressed by the Association’s thoughtful interview process and is honored to be joining the NJSBA team.
“Joining NJSBA is a tremendous honor, and I am thrilled to be part of an organization that plays such a crucial role in supporting boards of education,” he said. “I am excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm to this position and am passionate about our mission. I look forward to working together to advance public education in New Jersey.”