Washington ? Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has been chosen to head the Education Commission of the States, the nonprofit group that advises governors, legislators and state education officials about education policy.

Sebelius, a Democrat, will serve as chairwoman-elect of the group until next summer, when she will become chairwoman for a two-year term. She will succeed Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in the position.

Several high-profile Democrats have led the commission in recent years, including Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, who led the commission before Huckabee and who is eyeing a possible run for president. Huckabee, a Republican, also is pondering a presidential bid in 2008.

Sebelius has made improvements to education a centerpiece of her tenure as governor.

She takes over as chairwoman-elect from New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, whose in-state commitments left him unable to complete his term.