Ann Denlinger, President
Ann Denlinger is a former classroom teacher, principal and superintendent who worked in Wake, Wilson and Durham counties.
She was named North Carolina Superintendent of the Year in 2000 during her tenure as top administrator of Durham Public Schools from 1997 to 2006. She then worked briefly as a senior associate at the Schlechty Center for Leadership and School Reform before joining the Partnership on May 1, 2007.
Denlinger received the Jay Robinson Leadership Award in 2006, given by the Public School Forum of North Carolina, in recognition of her deep commitment to helping all children. She was also the first school superintendent to receive the prestigious Durham Chamber of Commerce Civic Honor Award in 2003.
Denlinger was superintendent of Wilson County Schools from 1992 to 1997 and before that time worked in the Wake County Public School District, where she started her career. During her time with Wake County she was an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, a principal and a teacher.
She earned her associate of arts degree from Peace College as well as doctorate and master's degrees in education administration from Campbell University. Denlinger grew up in Fuquay-Varina where she attended public schools.
She can be reached at 919.821.7609 x122 or adenlinger@wakeedpartnership.org
Fran
Carruthers, Vice President of Development
As Vice President of Development, Fran Carruthers is responsible for the design and implementation of the Annual Campaign for Public Education, which engages more than 500 volunteers, interns and collaborative partners to successfully meet the current goal of $850,000 in revenue. Support to the Annual Campaign for Public Education is provided by corporations and individuals who share Wake Education Partnership’s mission of uniting community resources for excellence in public education for all of Wake County’s children.
Joining the Partnership staff in 2000, Fran has previously served as Coordinator of the legacy teacher grants program and as Special Events Coordinator. Fran graduated from St. Andrews College with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and additionally holds an RN degree in psychiatric nursing.
She can be reached at 919.821.7609 x130 or fcarruthers@wakeedpartnership.org
Julie Crain , Vice President of Programs
As Vice President of Programs, Julie Crain is responsible for managing and implementing the Partnership’s Program of Work. In addition, Julie coordinates the organization’s research strategies and manages the Quality Matters Committee.
Julie taught English in Wake County Schools for 12 years at Fuquay-Varina High School and is a National Board Certified teacher. At her school, she served as chair of the School Improvement and Leadership Teams. Julie graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English education as a N.C. Teaching Fellow and a master's degree in English education. She is a past Kenan Fellow (2001-2003). Presently, Julie also works with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards as an assessor trainer. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Educational Research and Policy Evaluation at NC State University.
She can be reached at 919.821.7609 x129 or jcrain@wakeedpartnership.org
Tim Simmons, Vice President of Communications
As Vice President of Communications, Tim Simmons is responsible for outreach, advocacy, research and communications at the Partnership.
Simmons was a long-time education reporter for The News & Observer in Raleigh. He provided extensive coverage of the school accountability movement in the 1990s and the many reform efforts triggered by the state’s new emphasis on test scores.
His coverage of the racial achievement gap in 1999 won the highest national award for education writing that year and helped shape state programs to address the issue. He has also written about the resegregation of the state’s schools, the costs and benefits of diversity and the difficulty of maintaining good parent-teacher relationships. He graduated with a degree in journalism from Michigan State University in 1981.He can be reached at 919.821.7609 x140 or tsimmons@wakeedpartnership.org
Barbara Miles, Administrative Assistant 
Barbara Miles provides administrative and operational support to the president, staff and board members. Her administrative experience draws from 12 years in corporate business.
She graduated with honors from North Carolina Wesleyan College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
She can be reached at 919.821.7609 x121 or bmiles@wakeedpartnership.org