CHATTANOOGA — Dan Challener will retire as president of Public Education Forward on July 31, 2026, after serving in the role for 27 years. Edna Varner, a member of Public Education Forward's senior leadership team, will serve as interim president while the board of directors conducts a search for a new president.

Challener first joined Public Education Forward in 1999. "When Melinda and I and our three children came to Chattanooga in 1999, I never imagined that I would stay at PEF for 27 years," Challener said. "But I quickly discovered that Hamilton County's history of public-private partnerships gave PEF the opportunity to make a significant difference for students, teachers, and principals." "It has been a wonderful chapter in my life, and PEF is in a strong position." "I am very happy that Edna will lead PEF while the Board selects the next leader to build on our important work."

John Germ, the chair of the Public Education Forward board, stated, "I first met Dan when I was chair of the search committee for a new President/CEO for PEF in 1998." "PEF could not be prouder of Dan and his unselfish leadership for the last 27 years." "We wish Dan and Melinda the very best in the next phase of their lives."

Varner noted, "Read the résumés of outstanding local leaders who have dedicated themselves to ensuring students are on track for a future without limits, and you will find PEF woven throughout their stories." "Some of our school district's most impactful initiatives to develop irreplaceable educators were born through partnership with PEF, and our current innovation work routinely earns national and international attention." "After 27 years of visionary leadership, Dan leaves a legacy reflected in the educators, leaders, and communities he has inspired."

Public Education Forward was founded in 1989 as the Public Education Foundation. In 2023, the organization moved into a new space at 1651 South Holtzclaw Ave.