NC superintendent hires new senior policy adviser

Erika Berry will begin the job on Feb. 5 and make $80,000 a year, according to the superintendent's office. She previously worked as director of external affairs for RePublic Schools in Jackson, Miss., education policy adviser for the lieutenant governor of Mississippi, executive director of the Mississippi Charter Schools Association, advocacy coordinator with the Mississippi Coalition for Public Charter Schools and as a middle school math teacher in Charlotte.

In a statement, Johnson said he is excited to have Berry join the team.

"Her experience both in education and in public policy will make her a valuable addition. Having been a teacher in North Carolina will give her an excellent perspective as we work to help every North Carolina student succeed," Johnson said.

Berry joins two other advisers in the superintendent's office – Lindsey Wakely, senior policy adviser and chief legal counsel, and policy adviser Kevin Wilkinson.

In her role, Berry will research and review policies, legislation and education issues at the direction of the superintendent and make recommendations, assist with implementing policies and initiatives and support communications surrounding policies and priorities.

Johnson has previously said he also plans to hire a chief of staff and a chief innovation officer, but it's unclear when he will make those hires. He has declined to say what other positions he may create.