Board of Directors

Jamie Candee leads Edmentum’s strategic vision and long-term growth as President, CEO, and Board Director. She has served as CEO of Edmentum since 2017, and has extensive experience in education technology, private equity, and policy. Edmentum is a global education leader, delivering research-based digital curriculum, assessments for learning, and quality educational consulting. With over 60 years of experience, Edmentum is both a pioneer in online teaching and learning solutions and is continually committed to making it easier for educators to individualize learning for every student.

As CEO, Jamie is focused on ensuring that Edmentum programs and services empower teachers with the digital curriculum and assessments for learning they need to personalize instruction and create equitable learning opportunities for all students. Her vision is to ensure Edmentum programs are aligned to every teacher’s instructional strategies and demonstrate evidence of growth and learning. Leading with an educator first approach, Jamie ensures that teachers and students are always top-of-mind – from development through implementation of their Edmentum programs.

Jamie lives by the credo of doing well by doing good. In 2018, Jamie founded Edmentum’s We Can Learn foundation. We Can Learn is committed to making a meaningful impact in education through philanthropic giving and service, that supports equitable and innovative learning opportunities. Since its inception, We Can Learn has supported the development of a school in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda, partnered with multiple local and national organizations, and provided support to over 10,000 children.

Jamie is an active member of her community, providing mentorship, speaking, and leading through a variety of volunteer opportunities and board memberships. Jamie has spoken or been quoted on leadership, education, technology, finance, and professional development in The New York Times, Forbes, Today, ASU+GSV, and AASA. Jamie is on the Board of Trustees for Visitation School, and she sits on the board of directors for Project Success and Learning Tree International. Additionally, Jamie has been recognized by various industry-leading organizations for her leadership including the Minnesota Business Magazine, Ernst & Young, The Software Report, and EdTech Digest. Jamie holds a Master of Business Administration from Bethel University and a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Wisconsin.

For over 40 years, Dr. Tony Bennett has dedicated his life to educating students. He began his career in southern Indiana as a high school science teacher and basketball coach, quickly advancing to school administration while building a reputation as a leader with talent for school management, strategic planning, and effective budgeting. After serving as district superintendent, Tony was elected as Indiana’s Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2009. He also served as Commissioner of Education in Florida before starting TBX2, Inc./Education Reform Strategies, a consulting company focusing on supporting education reform across the United States. Tony merged TBX2, Inc., and became a Partner with Strategos, a national public affairs company based out of Florida. Most recently, Tony served as President of School Management for Stride Learning (K12), a publicly traded company (LRN) with over $2,000,000,000 in revenues, and the nation’s largest virtual provider of education for grades K-12. Tony retired from Stride Learning (K12) in March, 2025, and is returning to Strategos as Partner Emeritus.

As State Superintendent, Tony led Indiana through what most experts consider the most comprehensive, student-focused education reform initiatives in the nation. Even today, Indiana’s bold education agenda is considered the gold standard in American education reform. Focused on school choice, greater accountability and freedom for parents and schools.  A partial list of Tony’s accomplishments included the creation of the nation’s most-expansive school voucher program, developing one of the top-rated educator effectiveness programs in the nation, and boldly taking over failing schools. During his tenure in Indiana, the state saw record high school graduation rates and participation and success rates in Advanced Placement courses and exams. Student achievement on the state’s ISTEP assessment also rose dramatically during that same period. Under Bennett’s leadership, Indiana achieved improvement in the state’s NAEP results that ranked among the top 3 in the United States. Bennett’s leadership quickly earned him a national reputation among government and education leaders. In 2010, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce named Tony Government Leader of the Year and, in 2011, The Fordham Institute named him Education Reform Idol.

Tony’s high expectations for students and commitment to involving community partners have also made him a key player in the national education reform efforts. He served on the board of the Council for Chief State School Officers, the governing board of the Partnership for the Assessment for Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) and was a founding member and former chair of Chiefs for Change. Today, Tony sits on the River Ridge Redevelopment Authority Board of Directors.

Tony’s leadership, academic, and operational expertise were instrumental in the dramatic improvement in school performance for Stride Learning schools from 2020-2024. The schools’ improved performance, enrollment, retention and partner relations were foundational to the notable increases in share value over that time.

In 2017, Tony and his family founded the Tony Bennett Memorial Foundation in memory of his son, Tony who took his own life in 2016. The foundation is a 501(c)3 that serves families in need who have lost a loved one to suicide. The foundation focuses its efforts on three specific areas:

• Assisting families across the country in need with issues such as final expenses and grief counseling
• Providing scholarships to Southern Indiana students who have overcome a challenge such as the death of a loved one
• Supporting local suicide prevention and awareness activities

He received his doctoral degree in Education and his Superintendent’s License from Spalding University. He earned his Certification in Secondary Administration and Supervision, a Master of Science in Secondary Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Indiana University Southeast.

Dr. Bennett, a devoted father of four and a grandfather of five resides in Jeffersonville, Indiana with his wife Tina and beloved dogs, Sachi and Rudy.

After starting pre-med and changing her major three times at Cornell University, Lisa graduated with a major in Marketing and a minor in Fashion. Fittingly, her career began in the fashion industry at Chanel developing marketing strategies using customer data. Lisa went on to receive her MBA at Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where she developed strategic, marketing, and analytical skills that she applied to management consulting, with projects spanning a range of industries and functions often with a data-driven solution. This gave her a great deal of experience affecting change within organizations large and small, but also made her realize that she wanted to use her experience to help make a difference.

In 2012 she applied these skills to the nonprofit world by coming to NAF as a consultant to help use student data to tell the NAF story. Lisa then served as Vice President of Marketing & Communications and led a full rebranding of the national organization and was responsible for planning, executing, delivering, and evaluating all aspects of marketing & communications. She moved through different functions in the organization COO and then President.

In her current role as CEO, she oversees all functions responsible for supporting a network of over 600 college preparatory, career-themed academies serving over 117,000 students in 34 states, plus DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Elaine Hungenberg is a distinguished leader in developing and executing impactful strategies to drive positive change in education and communities globally. With a proven track record in go-to-market strategies and impact evaluation for foundations and nonprofits, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a trustee at America Succeeds. 

Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Impact at the XPRIZE Foundation, Elaine is recognized for her ability to harness the power of innovative partnerships to create global impact. XPRIZE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and incentivizing breakthroughs that tackle humanity’s most critical challenges. Boasting over 15 years of experience in strategy and research, Elaine is at the forefront of overseeing XPRIZE’s partnerships and impact initiatives. She leads the charge in measuring and quantifying the foundation’s profound influence on the world and its beneficiaries. In her strategic leadership role, she shapes and executes XPRIZE’s engagement with diverse ecosystems that contribute to and support its transformative work. 

In her previous role as Executive Vice President at Operation HOPE, Elaine led the HOPE Research and Impact Institute, focusing on evaluating cutting-edge solutions to financial inequities and systemic economic challenges. During her decade-long tenure, she collaborated with world-renowned organizations to equip them to function as a force for good and build a future where all people can thrive. 

Elaine’s career began in the nonprofit sector in 2007 with the Colorado Children’s Campaign, followed by Invest in Kids in Denver, Colorado. Her early work involved analyzing statewide data and creating publications to inform legislative programs for at-risk youth, contributing significantly to positive public policy and closing educational attainment gaps. 

Recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Colorado in 2022, Elaine earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and English from St. Michael’s College in Burlington, Vermont, and a master’s degree from the University of Colorado in Political Science with a focus on research methodology and statistics. 

Residing in Windsor, Colorado, with her husband and three children, Elaine is driven by an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

Ahva Sadeghi is a passionate social entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and CEO of Symba, an award winning and venture-backed tech startup on the future of work. Ahva is an economist and researcher focused on remote work and workforce development.

Ahva currently is a member of the Forbes Human Resources Council. Through Symba, Ahva has helped power over 5,000 new job opportunities from internships, apprenticeships, and more. Symba was named a leader in the future of work by Forbes and is proud to be a certified women-owned business.

Prior to launching Symba, Ahva worked at the US Department of State in the Human Rights Bureau and completed a civil rights fellowship with Congressman John Lewis in Atlanta. She was recently named Forbes 30 Under 30, a Tory Burch Fellow, and a Global Entrepreneur Scholar by the US Department of State.

Ahva currently serves on the Forbes 30 Under 30 in Chicago and volunteers as a mentor for Students Rising Above. Ahva completed her graduate studies at the London School of Economics and received her BA from the University of Arizona Honors College. In her spare time, Ahva enjoys playing the cello and tennis.

Joseph Wise has a longstanding record of helping school districts, school boards, and school leaders make rapid improvements to support student achievement—in the government, NPO, and private-sectors. He has successfully led major public and private sector organizations throughout North America to set ambitious goals and achieve impressive results. Dr. Wise has successfully bridged academic, business, and governmental interests to build—and sustain—decisive organizational reforms.

His passion for all students, particularly those who are underserved and disadvantaged, drives a sense of urgency about the reforms needed to help America regain its competitive edge through the academic preparation of our nation’s children. His focus on great governance, great leadership, and great student and parent engagement has been the keystone of his accomplishments.

Dr. Wise formerly served as Superintendent of Schools for the nation’s 15th largest public school district (Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonville, FL) and the State of Delaware’s largest public school district (Christina School District, Wilmington, DE), earning a reputation as a visionary leader who brought about measurable improvements in both student achievement and operational management.

Dr. Wise currently serves as Chairman of the Board for LEAP Innovations. He is also Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Distinctive Schools, which is responsible for the management of high-performing urban public non-profit charter schools in Chicago and Detroit. Wise is also Co-founder, and served for ten years as Chief Executive Officer of Acceleration Academies, an organization focused on providing teens and young adults who had abandoned education an opportunity to re-engage in academics—and ultimately achieve a diploma from the high school they had abandoned. Wise continues as Senior Advisor and on the Board of We Work for Kids, LLC which acquired Acceleration Academies in 2020.

Wise is the Co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Research Partners, a professional services firm that supports public schools and school districts in 18 states. Former Executive Vice President and Chief Education Officer with Edison Learning, Inc., which provides education programs and services to 340,000 students throughout 25 states and the United Kingdom. He also previously served as Director of Organizational Development for the Walt Disney organization. He began his career in education as a teacher before assuming executive leadership roles in various districts, including OrangeCounty Public Schools and Seminole County Public Schools in Florida, and Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland.

Dr. Wise has earned numerous honors, including the 2006 Champion for Children award conferred by the HOSTS Learning organization. He served on the National Commission on Writing for America’s Families, Schools, and Colleges, was selected as a Broad Fellow by Eli Broad Institute for School Boards (2005), was appointed a Fellow to the Eli Broad Urban Superintendents Academy (2003), and served on the Academy’s adjunct faculty and advisory committee. Dr. Wise also served on the Board of Directors of NWEA, a non-profit assessment firm that supports teaching and learning for more than 12 million students in more than 4,000 North American school districts. In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Wise has been honored for his individual and community service work. He is a lifetime member of the NAACP, holds a lifetime membership with the Florida Association of PTAs, and previously served on the CEO Advisory Board for The College Board.

Dr. Wise is the author of three textbooks: Power of Teaching—The Science of the Art (1st Edition, 2002; 2nd Edition, 2007); Power of Coaching—Teachers and Teaching (2009); and TAO of Interviewing (1st Edition 1994; 4th Edition, 2007). He earned a doctorate from the University of Florida, a master’s degree from the University of Central Florida, and a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. 

Dr. Wise has provided strategic advising for multiple corporations including the following:

• Led the angel, series A and series B rounds of capital and exited successfully for investors of eSchool Solutions, Inc. to TeacherMatch Holdings (2014). Assisted on the sale of TeacherMatch Holdings to Vista Partners as part of their PeopleAdmin Holdings (now PowerSchool)—2017
• Provided due diligence services and supports to Prairie Capital, LP; Chicago Growth Partners, Pondera Holdings, and Riverside Capital during the years of 2009— present.
• Led and completed angel (2013) and series A (2014) capital raises for Acceleration Academies, LLC; successfully leading this company to merger with an Ed Tech firm in 2021.
• Provided strategic advisement services for Scientific Learning, Pondera Holdings, Foundations in Learning, Literacy Resources, LLC, McGraw Hill, and various other education-related companies on matters of mergers & acquisitions, financing, and turn-around aspects necessary when organizational performance was of concern. 
• Led the successful exit in 2017 of ERDI for Dulle Enterprises, to include SBA-backed debt financing for the transition of the business.
• Wise currently serves on numerous corporate and national NPO boards of Lemnis (formerly NWEA), the Education Research & Development Institute, We Work for Kids, Distinctive Schools, and LEAP Innovations.

Gretchen Zech is senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Arrow Electronics, a global Fortune 120 technology solutions provider. A member of Arrow’s executive committee, she leads the company’s HR strategies, operations, technologies and business partnerships around the world.

Gretchen joined Arrow in 2011 from Dex One, having served as their senior vice president and chief human resources officer since 2006. Before joining Dex, she was the HR group vice president at Gartner, responsible for several of the organization’s global businesses and corporate groups. Her previous roles also include HR leadership positions with Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea, Bloomingdale’s, Best Buy and Johnson Controls.

A Society for Human Resource Management senior certified professional (SHRM-SCP), Gretchen holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from The University of Michigan. She serves as a member of the SHRM board of directors and sits on the advisory board of the University of Colorado-Denver Business School.

Brandon Zeigler is an investor, philanthropist, and Director of Impact Investments at Global Endowment Management (GEM), an outsourced Chief Investment Office (OCIO) that provides institutional investment capabilities for endowments, foundations, and other long-term investors.

Prior to joining GEM, he was a Program Officer of K-12 Education at the Walton Family Foundation. Brandon has extensive experience in education and philanthropy, having also served in roles at Church Farm School in Exton, Pennsylvania, and Uplift Education in Dallas, Texas.

He believes in authenticity and serving those who are underinvested in. He is a connector, paying it forward and pouring into others so that they develop and supersede their own beliefs. Brandon holds a B.S. in psychology from Davidson College, an Ed.M. in education policy and management from Harvard University, and is currently an MBA candidate at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.  He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity, Inc.

Jacqueline Burgos is a Sales Leader for Google’s U.S. Procter & Gamble team.  In her time with the team she co-hosted the 2023, 500+ kick off to the Upfronts, established the Search strategy for the team, launched the U.S. Hispanic go to market, all while growing her book of business.  Before joining the P&G sales team, she worked in Google’s Agency Go To Market team supporting senior leaders in the strategy and relationship management with the biggest advertising holding companies (Omnicom, Publicis, WPP).  

Prior to joining Google, Jacqueline worked in traditional media with roles at Viacom, WB, and HBO.  In her last role at Viacom she was the Chief of Staff to the head of Sales, supporting in the creation and implementation of business and communications strategy for the organization.  At Warner Bros., she was instrumental in the launch of the company’s first multicultural digital content production company which opened new doors to diverse talent at the acclaimed studio.  

She was a member of the NAF (National Academy Foundation) board for three years (2016-2019), supporting high school education across the United States and has recently joined America Succeeds’ national board of directors.  As a member of HBS’ Latino Alumni Association she helped them launch Latinas in media and entertainment initiatives, celebrating the accomplishments of Latinas in Hollywood and creating awareness for this market opportunity.  

She is passionate about improving education and opportunities for youth across the country. Outside of work and philanthropy, she is an improv performer having completed all Improv courses at Magnet Theater and performed ~ 30+ shows.

Jacqueline Burgos grew up in Brooklyn, New York and received a BBA from Pace University’s Pforzheimer’s Honors College with a concentration in Accounting and minors in Economics and Latin American Studies. She has an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Tim Taylor is the Co-Founder and President of America Succeeds, where he passionately leads with a belief in education’s power to transform life trajectories and drive economic mobility. He combines executive, nonprofit, and public policy experience in a way that’s as rare as it is effective. Before launching America Succeeds, he served as the founding president of Colorado Succeeds.

Tim began his career on Capitol Hill as a senior legislative assistant to Congressman Saxby Chambliss of Georgia. After relocating to Colorado, he traded politics for purpose, founding Open Fairways, a nonprofit that used golf to give at-risk kids a better shot at life. Looking back, it was his first lesson in the power of durable skills – because patience, perseverance, and the occasional mulligan can make all the difference.

He is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and serves on the X Prize Brain Trust for Learning & Society. Tim was named one of Getting Smart’s “60 People Shaping the Future of K-12 Education,” and speaks frequently to education and business audiences including SXSW EDU, National Governors Association, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. 

Tim holds a bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia and a master’s degree in International Affairs from The George Washington University. An avid outdoorsman and live music junkie, he lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife, Clare, their two college-aged children (who occasionally call home), and a Boykin Spaniel named Hobbes.

Favorite quote: “I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.” – E.B. White

Lauren Cole is the Vice President of Strategy and Operations at America Succeeds, where she keeps the gears turning—overseeing operations, administration, programs, and accounting systems to ensure everything runs smoothly and strategically. If it involves structure, efficiency, or making things work better, Lauren is on it.

A graduate of Cornell University, Lauren majored in Development Sociology with minors in education and business. But her passion for education took root even earlier when she served as a City Year Boston corps member, working to improve school attendance and literacy. That experience solidified her commitment to expanding opportunities for all students, and she’s been making an impact ever since.

When she’s not optimizing systems or crafting strategy, you’ll likely find Lauren checking out a new restaurant, exploring the outdoors, catching a live show, or planning her next adventure.

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Michael Crawford is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at America Succeeds, where he leads the charge on proliferating durable skills—combining research, strategy, and implementation to ensure these essential skills make a real-world impact. Basically, if there’s a way to bridge education and the future of work, Michael is on it.

Before joining America Succeeds, Michael wore many hats in the education and innovation space. He’s served in a variety of research, strategy, and partnerships functions, with organizations like VELA, Western Governors University, Real World Scholars, and the Kauffman Foundation. Along the way, he’s been an invited mentor, advisor, speaker, and facilitator on topics like human development, entrepreneurship, and the ever-evolving future of learning and work. He’s also made appearances on a variety of podcasts and panels, where he’s just as comfortable behind a mic or in front of groups, as he is diving into the details.

Michael holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan, an MS in Sport Psychology from Michigan State University, and a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Kansas.

When he’s not advancing the durable skills movement, Michael is squeezing the most of life with family and friends, exploring new places and experiences, and absorbing books like a hungry sponge.

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Kelli Rapplean is the Project Manager at America Succeeds, where she keeps projects on track and ideas in motion. She’s all about turning big visions into actionable impact, and strategically supporting a portfolio of initiatives that drive meaningful change.

With over a decade of experience in education—spanning early childhood, higher ed, experiential learning, summer programming, and EdTech—Kelli has made it her mission to expand opportunities for economic mobility through the power of education. If there’s a way to make learning more engaging, accessible, and transformative, she’s all in.

She holds a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Missouri and an MA in Educational Foundations, Policy, and Practice from the University of Colorado Boulder. 

When she’s not wrangling projects, you can find her wrangling her kids, soaking up Colorado’s great outdoors, or unwinding at a local brewery with friends—because balance is key.

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Aidan Schief is the Policy and Research Associate at America Succeeds, where he supports and executes research initiatives on durable skills implementation in education and policy. He also supports the organization’s internal operations and external communications efforts, helping to advance its mission of modernizing education systems to better prepare students for the workforce.

Aidan’s passion for education reform and workforce development stems from both his academic background and personal experiences in the American public school system. He has deepened his expertise in these areas through his work at America Succeeds, where he focuses on driving impactful change in policy and practice.

He graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Political Science and minors in History and Economics—because apparently, one subject wasn’t enough.

When he’s not championing education reform, you can find him dissecting the latest sports stats, hunting down the best local eats, or testing his own culinary skills (with, let’s just say, a solid success rate). Whether he’s outside enjoying a sunny day with friends and family or inside yelling at a TV during a game, Aidan is always up for good company, great food, and a little friendly competition.

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Lindsay Kelly is the Director of Communications at America Succeeds, where she leads the communications and marketing strategy in service of bringing the organization’s vision and values to life.

Lindsay has spent nearly two decades leading communications, marketing, and external affairs work for mission-driven education organizations across the country, including at VELA where she supported entrepreneurs launching innovative new schools, at Teach For America where she served as Press Secretary and Vice President of National Communications, and at KIPP public charter schools, where she spent 10 years leading external affairs in a variety of roles for KIPP DC, KIPP Eastern North Carolina, and on the national KIPP Foundation team.

Prior to KIPP, Lindsay ran a college and career access program for Girls Inc. of Alameda County, taught high school English in California and New Jersey, and worked for a PR firm. The common thread through all of her work has been an unshakeable belief that every learner in this country deserves access to an education that unlocks their unique talents and gifts and sets them on a path to opportunity and choice.

Lindsay holds a B.A. in English and Theater Studies and an M.A. in English from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. She is based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but escapes to the Atlantic Ocean with her two daughters whenever she can.

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Eric Lerum is a Senior Advisor at America Succeeds, where he helps turn big ideas into action through strategic planning, partnership development, and policy analysis. With over 20 years of experience advising policymakers and organizational leaders, Eric has been at the forefront of shaping education policy and reform. If there’s a way to make systems work better for students, he’s probably already strategizing it.

Before joining America Succeeds, Eric led national policy efforts at StudentsFirst as VP of National Policy, building a powerhouse team tackling everything from teacher quality to school choice and governance reform. Prior to that, he played a key role in reshaping D.C.’s education landscape as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Mayor for Education, leading efforts like the mayoral takeover of the school system and D.C.’s winning Race to the Top application. His experience also includes time as Legislative Counsel to the D.C. Council’s education committee and as a Policy Analyst for the D.C. Board of Education—so he’s seen the policy process from every angle.

Eric earned his degree from The Ohio State University and his law degree from the Washington College of Law at American University. It was during law school that he found his passion for public education and youth justice, teaching constitutional literacy to high school students in Washington, D.C., and seeing firsthand the power of education to create opportunity.

When he’s not immersed in education policy, Eric is likely out exploring hiking trails, sharpening his photography skills, or on a never-ending quest to find the best BBQ spot around.

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