The Southeast Education Alliance has announced that Tim Markley, superintendent of New Hanover County Schools, has been named the Regional Superintendent of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year, according to a news release.

This is the second time Markely has been named the Regional Superintendent of the Year. He also received the recognition in 2015, officials stated in the release.

Markley has been superintendent of New Hanover County Schools since 2010.

“Dr. Markley’s leadership has continued to be a model in the Southeast region for superintendents and all educators as we work in this exciting time in public education. He’s an advocate for education on all of the major issues we are experiencing throughout the state,” said Kathy Spencer, executive director of Southeast Education Alliance, in the release.

The recognition includes a nomination as a candidate for the 2019 A. Craig Phillips N.C. Superintendent of the Year Award slated to be announced in November. Officials said that the state winner will compete for the national award from the American Association of School Administrators.

“It's an honor to be selected by my peers, but I feel this is really a reflection of the great work that happens every day in our district. I am blessed to work with some amazingly talented people who are committed to helping our students every day,” Markley said in the release.