Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has been named chief executive of Generation Next, an organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap in education.

“I’m excited,” said Cristy Coaty, executive assistant for the organization, who confirmed the appointment.

Rybak currently serves on the Generation Next Board of Directors.

The official announcement will come at a 1:45 p.m. news conference at Minneapolis City Hall.

Rybak, who was first elected mayor in 2001, was re-elected twice and is completing his 12th year in office. His term expires Jan. 1.

The Minneapolis-based organization is “committed to closing the achievement gap among the Twin Cities low income and students of color,” according to its web page. “We are an unprecedented partnership of key education, community, government and business stakeholders dedicated to accelerating educational achievement for all of our children — from early childhood through early career.”

The board of directors includes business, government and education leaders, including: St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman; David Olson, president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce; and Bernadeia Johnson, superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools.