(CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Tenn.) – Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-
Crossville) has appointed two exceptional individuals, both hailing from Cumberland County, to
crucial education positions aimed at driving positive change in their respective fields.
Ina F. Maxwell, Ph.D., has been appointed to the State Board of Education, bringing her 35
years of experience in education and administration from the Cumberland County school
system. Dr. Maxwell's impressive credentials include a Doctor of Philosophy degree in
Education, with a concentration in Literacy, and an extensive background in instructional
facilitation and federal programs management. With over two decades on the Cumberland
County Board of Education, Dr. Maxwell has trained over 300 teachers and directed countless
Federal programs to student literacy and teacher instruction throughout the state. Dr. Maxwell
has a passion for teaching and still works as a substitute even after retiring as the Director of
Schools in 2022.
Concurrently, fellow Cumberland County resident Bekkie Atkinson has been appointed as
a member of the State Textbook and Instructional Material Quality Commission.

Bekkie, a
cherished member of the Cumberland County High School faculty, has dedicated 23 years of
service as the school librarian. With over three decades of profound experience in the field of
education, Mrs. Atkinson stands as a highly qualified individual to contribute to the Commission
in its important duty to recommend educational materials for approval to our State Board of
Education.
The appointment of these two exceptional individuals reflects a commitment to drawing upon
Cumberland County's rich talent pool to spearhead progress and excellence in key sectors within
our state. Their strong ties to the community will undoubtedly bring a unique and valuable
perspective to their respective roles, ensuring a positive impact on Cumberland County and
beyond.

In light of their outstanding qualifications, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to
their community, Speaker Sexton is confident that both Dr. Maxwell and Mrs. Atkinson are
poised to lead with distinction and drive positive change in their new capacities.