Wake Education Partnership is pleased to announce that Jim Brown, managing director of RBC Bank's Public & Institutional Banking Group, has been named chairman of the Partnership's Board of Directors for 2011-2012. His term begins July 1.

Brown has 38 years experience in the banking business with 34 years at RBC Bank.  He works on financing and investment strategies for public sector clients throughout the Southeast with extensive experience in credit analysis, capital planning and transaction planning for local governments, colleges, universities and acute care hospitals.

Brown has served on the board for the Wake Education Partnership three times since 1988 and has helped facilitate more than $100,000 in donations to the organization from RBC Bank during the past five years alone. 

"I am thrilled to take on this leadership role with Wake Education Partnership, an organization that provides such a positive impact on our public schools and thus the overall well being of our community," Brown said.

Wake Education Partnership plays a critical role in helping business leaders, elected officials and educators work toward the common goal of increasing student performance measured against world-class academic standards.  It is an independent non-profit dedicated to creating world-class schools in Wake County through business engagement and community involvement.

For more information about the Partnership, visit www.wakeedpartnership.org or call 919.821.7609