Ayeola Booth-Kinlaw (Board Chair) – Ayeola Boothe-Kinlaw has been the Director, Columbia University’s Center for Public Research and Leadership since January, 2011. She directs the Center’s operations and strategic consulting efforts to develop the next generation of leaders for reforming organizations in the K-12 space. The Center for Public Research and Leadership partners teams of exceptionally talented graduate and professional students with organizations aiming to create dramatic improvements in public education. Cross functional teams of students from Columbia’s Law, Business and Policy schools as well as Teachers College contribute analytic and strategic planning support to a wide range of organizations including state agencies, school districts and non-profit organizations. Prior to this role, she served for four years as the Senior Program Officer, The Wallace Foundation, and for six years prior to that, as a Director at The College Board. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology and Anthropology from Duke University and her Master’s in Educational Policy and Administration from Harvard University.

 

Douglas W. Anthony, Ed.D. – Dr. Douglas W. Anthony most recently served as the Associate Superintendent of Talent Development for one of the largest school districts in the country. He now leads the Anthony Consulting Group. Doug served in a variety of roles - teacher, central office staff developer, assistant principal, principal, director of human capital management, acting chief of human resources and executive director - throughout his 27-year career dedicated to public education. Doug is recognized nationally for his experience and expertise in the areas of organizational culture, leadership development and pipelines, university partnerships, and private and federal grants.  Doug currently serves as a leadership consultant for several organizations including the Wallace Foundation, the New York City Leadership Academy, and Policy Studies Associates. He is the Senior Fellow at the Center of Education Innovation and Improvement, College of Education at the University of Maryland. Doug is a “Tri-Terrapin” having earned his Bachelors’, Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Nate Brown – As a Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Nate works on the College Ready Team  focusing on teacher engagement and teacher effectiveness.  Nate brings with him both public and private sector experience as well as 13 years working to improve educational outcomes for America’s children.  He previously served as the Director of Operations at the NYC Department of Education managing the Data & Strategic Analysis Group and HR technology as well as spearheaded several human capital initiatives. Prior to his time at the NYC DOE, he worked at Edison schools in an operations capacity and Merrill Lynch as a financial analyst.

 

Chuck Cascio – A former teacher at both the secondary school and university levels, Chuck has spent the past 18 years working with national education-based organizations. Prior to his role on the board of USHCA, Chuck developed communications, public affairs, and interactive learning as a Vice President at Educational Testing Service (ETS) for ten years.  Before joining ETS, Chuck was Vice President for Certification Standards and Teacher Development at the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, where he expanded the profile of NBPTS through a variety of creative promotional initiatives. As both a staff member and consultant for different education organizations, Chuck has developed promotional campaigns, media-relations strategies, and business initiatives that have increased awareness, improved public relations, and grown market presence. He is a highly skilled writer, editor, and speaker who has worked on projects ranging from book development through website content, logo creation, sales copy, and speech content and presentation. His awards include being lead creative developer for an Emmy Award-winning public service campaign, and receiving a National Endowment for Humanities Grant, a Presidential Scholars Award, a Rothman Institute Award for Entrepreneurial Leadership, and various honors and citations for journalism, creative writing, and teaching. Chuck holds a Master’s Degree in Communications from American University, a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration from Wagner College, and an Advanced Studies Certificate in Executive Leadership from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.

 

Elizabeth Lodal – Elizabeth Lodal, retired educator/principal,  McLean, Virginia, has dedicated her career and life’s passion to education, music, and service, inspiring thousands of young people to fulfill their potential. Elizabeth served for more than 35 years as a public school teacher in Arlington County, Virginia, and as principal of  Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, McLean High School, Langston Hughes Middle School, and Joyce Kilmer Middle School in Fairfax County, Virginia. While Principal of McLean HS she taught Facing History and Ourselves to encourage more informed and active citizenship. She firmly believes that school  principals must take the lead and set the example for students and teachers as active, engaged citizens who strive to improve our communities, states, and the nation. Elizabeth has received many awards and holds commendations from every level of government: the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Virginia General Assembly, and the United States Congress. In tribute to Elizabeth’s commitment to young people, the McLean High School Library and Thomas Jefferson’s College and Career Center are named for her.