William Knudsen

William Knudsen serves as the Director of Government and Affiliate Relations for the National Association for Gifted Children. He works at both the Federal and local levels with NAGC’s advocacy partners to break the impediments obstructing services for our gifted and talented students. 

Previously, Bill served as an advisor to the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions handling disability, K-12, and workforce issues.  This included serving as a member of the bipartisan and bicameral staff negotiations that resulted in the successful reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 2015.

Prior to working for the United States Senate, Bill worked for the Committee for Economic Development as their Education Program Director.   He directed the successful implementation of the organization’s education programing related to early childhood, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education. 

Bill also supervised and managed the Quality Assurance Monitoring Division for the District of Columbia State Education Agency.  He was responsible for ensuring local education agency compliance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.   During this time, Bill was also appointed by the Mayor to serve as a member of the District of Columbia State Rehabilitation Council. 

Prior to working for the District of Columbia, Bill served in various roles of increasing responsibility at the United States Department of Education.  This included serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and serving as a member of the Senior Executive Service.

Earlier roles included serving as the Chief of Staff for the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education serving as the principal policy advisor and manager to the Assistant Secretary. 

During his tenure serving as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Bill coordinated outreach and coalition building strategies to promote the Department’s policy objectives for Governors, local officials, and non-profit organizations.  

In the Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs, Bill worked on all aspects of the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act and later served as the legislative point person for the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 2004. 

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