Jennifer Stafford, Ed.D., was named Associate Commissioner for the Office of Assessment and Accountability on July 1, 2025.
Stafford brings more than two decades of experience in education and assessment to this role. A long-time leader within KDE, she has served as the director of the Division of Assessment and Accountability Support since 2015. She has also been actively involved with the Kentucky United We Learn Council and its efforts to help transform the Commonwealth’s assessment and accountability systems.
As associate commissioner, Stafford oversees Kentucky’s statewide assessment and accountability systems, ensuring they are fair, accurate and aligned with state requirements. She also guides KDE’s efforts to support educators and schools in using data to improve outcomes for all students.
Stafford graduated from Walton-Verona High School and holds degrees from Berea College and Northern Kentucky University. In 2019, she received her doctorate in Education Leadership from Northern Kentucky University.
She lives in Owenton with her husband, Rob, and their two children.