Bill McNeal became Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA) in July 2006, after retiring as Superintendent of the Wake County Public School System. The association serves almost 7,000 public school administrators from all 115 school districts in North Carolina.

Mr. McNeal spent his entire 30-year education career in Wake County, serving in positions from the classroom to the boardroom. As Associate Superintendent for Instructional Services, he was a key player in the development of Goal 2003; developed the Accelerated Learning Program; opened the school system's first contracted alternative high school; and designed the unique programs and calendar of Wake County's math, science and technology magnet school, Southeast Raleigh High.

After becoming superintendent, he focused all of the school system's energies on meeting the goal of having 95 percent of third- and eighth-grade students at or above grade level. He helped narrow the achievement gap while continuing to challenge Wake County’s most advanced students.

Mr. McNeal has received many awards and honors for his service to public schools. The American Association of School Administrators named him 2004 National Superintendent of the Year, the first North Carolina nominee to win the prestigious honor. In the same year, both NCASA, and the North Carolina School Boards Association selected him as North Carolina Superintendent of the Year.

Mr. McNeal earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees from North Carolina Central University. He also has received two Honorary Doctorates.

With his special understanding of both the needs of classroom teachers and the challenges of building administrators and superintendents, the International Center turns to Mr. McNeal for advice on policies, strategies, and tools to help administrators guide teachers in improving student performance.