WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 10, 2009) -- Native American Capital (NAC), LLC, an ‘All Indian Country' financial advisory services firm, today announced the appointment of Susan Tave Zelman, a nationally-recognized education policy leader, to its National Advisory Board.  Prior to joining the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as Senior Vice President for Education and Children’s Content in 2008, Dr. Zelman served for 10 years as the State of Ohio’s Superintendent of Public Instruction where she headed the State Department of Education.  During her tenure in that position, national and state results on standardized tests increased and high school students now outperform national SAT and ACT averages. The Goldman Sachs Foundation recently named Ohio a winner of its Prize for Excellence in International Education, citing innovative programs that prepare Ohio students for the 21st century global marketplace.

“I am delighted that Susan Zelman has agreed to join Native American Capital’s National Advisory Board,” said Joe Falkson, NAC’s senior managing director.  “This appointment reflects Dr. Zelman’s long-standing commitment to minority children’s education and her awareness of the significant needs of Native American children—particularly, those living on reservations.  American Indian schools are in need of repair and replacement.  American Indian schools’ education programs require far more attention from National education leadership and National policy makers.  We look forward to working closely with Susan as we develop innovative programs to provide critical financial assistance to this long-neglected segment of the American Indian community.”

Founded and led by Native Americans, NAC, LLC, provides a full complement of financial advisory services to American Indian communities, with particular emphasis on the development of innovative financing programs in support of tribal economic development and tribal infrastructure.   NAC’s programs have a special focus on health care, infrastructure, the environment, education, and commerce.

Dr. Zelman has held executive posts at the Missouri and Massachusetts departments of education and chaired the Department of Education at Emmanuel College in Boston.  She held a five-year appointment with the Education Technology Center of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and was the recipient of the National Science Foundation Research Opportunity Award for Women through Columbia Teachers College. She holds a Ph.D. in education from the University of Michigan and is the recipient of numerous honorary degrees.