Rick Scott's Education Transition Team Includes Michelle Rhee, Frank Brogan

Gov.-elect Rick Scott Thursday named what amounts to a star-studded education transition team -- particularly in terms of reform and innovation.

Heading his team is outspoken reformer Michelle Rhee, until October chancellor of the Washington, D.C., school district. Rhee made the news when she stood up to teachers unions and pushed hard for charter schools and expanding the district's voucher program.

Scott also enlisted Florida university system Chancellor Frank Brogan, whose New Florida Initiative was developed to create an innovation economy -- transforming state universities into producers of what he calls "a knowledge-based economy" sustained by high-technology, high-wage jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

Also named was Tallahassee-based Ed Moore, Ph.D., president and CEO of Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF).He previously served as the president and CEO of the James Madison Institute as well as a senior policy adviser for legislative leadership in the Florida House of Representatives.

Moore told Sunshine State News, "It is an honor to serve with such a knowledgeable group of education experts. Governor-elect Scott has assembled an energetic group of people with both national and Florida-specific expertise. This group is committed to moving Florida forward. We have the assets to jump to the national forefront in Florida. This group will help the governor start out focused on making Florida a more competitive place to learn, expand and thrive."

Here's a look at the whole education transition team:

Michelle Rhee Former Chancellor, Washington, D.C., Schools.

Patricia Levesque Executive Director, Foundation For Floridas Future and a close ally of former Gov. Jeb Bush.

MaryEllen Elia Superintendent, Hillsborough County Schools.

Ed Moore President, Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida.

J. David Armstrong Jr. President, Broward College and Former Chancellor of Community Colleges of Florida.

John Kirtley Chairman, Step Up For Students.

Liza McFadden President, Volunteer USA Foundation.

Frank T. Brogan Chancellor, State University System of Florida.

Dr. Fred Lippman Chancellor, Health Professions Division Nova Southeastern University.

Dennis W. Bakke President and CEO, Imagine Schools.

Dr. Judy Genshaft President, University of South Florida.

Julio Fuentes President, Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Carlos Curbelo Miami Dade School Board and State Director for Sen. LeMieux.

Mindy Cunningham Principal, J Strategies.

Gary R. Chartrand Executive Chairman, Acosta Sales & Marketing Company and Board of Directors, KIPP Schools Jacksonville, Fla.

Dr. Don Pemberton Director, Lastinger Center For Learning University of Florida.

Mindy Lafevers-Hodge World History Instructor, Florida Virtual Schools.

Jonathan K. Hage President and CEO, Charter Schools USA.