Dr. Ben Cox has been named superintendent of the Brookhaven School District and will take office Jan. 1, according to an announcement by the Brookhaven School District Board of Trustees Friday morning.

“This is just a wonderful opportunity for me. I believe the Brookhaven school district has a lot to offer. I know the district has a wonderful faculty, and outstanding community support,” Cox said Thursday morning.

The Brookhaven school board didn’t have to look too far for their new superintendent. Cox has been the superintendent of the North Pike School District for the last 14 years. He will remain in that position until the new year.

Before he became the superintendent at North Pike, Cox was a principal in the district for four years. Cox has mixed feelings about leaving the North Pike school district, but is looking forward to beginning his new job.

“I believe we had a number of major successes during my job here (at North Pike). I think it’s just time to move on and attempt to tackle another challenge,” Cox said.

“We are very fortunate to have Mr. Cox with us,” said Stan Patrick, vice chairman of the Brookhaven School District Board of Trustees. “We are very pleased with the hire and believe Dr. Cox will be able to do great things with the Brookhaven school district,” said Patrick.

Cox has high praise for Stephanie Henderson and her work as interim superintendent. “I know Mrs. Henderson has done an invaluable job serving as the interim superintendent. I am hopeful she can utilize her intelligence and passion in a leadership position into the future,” he said.

“We are sure Stephanie will serve in the administration in some capacity. Right now, we are uncertain of precisely where,” said Patrick. “However, Dr. Cox and the board will figure this out in the near future.”

Henderson took over as interim superintendent after the departure of former superintendent Dr. Lisa Karmacharya in June.