Allan B. Hubbard, who served as an economic adviser during both Bush administrations, is a top contender for deputy secretary, the No. 2 job at the U.S. Department of Education, sources say.
During the Obama administration, the deputy gig has been a key management position, overseeing implementation of major K-12 policy initiatives. But given Hubbard’s background, the job could take on more of the department’s post-secondary portifolio.
Hubbard served as the director of the National Economic Council under President George W. Bush. Under President George H.W. Bush, he was executive director of the President’s Council on Competitiveness and deputy chief of staff to Vice President Dan Quayle.
On the surface at least, Hubbard seems to have a lot in common with his would-be boss, Betsy DeVos, Trump’s pick to lead the agency.
Like DeVos, Hubbard is a school choice supporter. (Check out his views on this Education Next podcast.) And like DeVos, his background is in business. He co-founded and now serves as the chairman of E & A Industries, which has invested in companies that make everything from gluten-free foods to “body-slimming” fashion, according to its website. Also like DeVos: He’s a former state party chair (in Indiana, as opposed to Michigan). And like DeVos, he is a wealthy GOP donor. In fact, he was the 12th richest person in the executive branch in 2004, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.