The Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators board of directors has named a Blaine pastor and homeschool parent as its first executive director.

David Watkins, pastor of Heritage Baptist Church, served as chairman of the board of directors for the last seven years. His appointment marks the first time the 29-year-old organization has hired a professional director, according to a released statement from the association.

The association is the state's largest homeschool organization, representing nearly 3,000 homeschool families across the state, according to the group. Founded in 1983, the association is a nonprofit organization for parents who have chosen to homeschool their children.