State Education Commissioner, Richard Mills, and The State Board of Regents have appointed Jeffrey Cannell as the Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education. Cannell, who has served as the director of the Albany Public Library for nine years, helped re-charter the library to be independent from the city of Albany.

Just last week, Cannell oversaw a public vote to okay major renovations to the library system. Now, he'll work with the state to oversee New York libraries, museums, and public archives.
Cannell said he's ready to step into his new job.

"I think it's communicating my passion for what I feel about the possibility of recorded information. We won't call it books…the full panoply of all the partner organization services, the passion I feel for that ability to change people's lives," Jeffrey Cannell said.

Cannell said the first change on his agenda is to expand the New York State Museum with the Governor's support.