The Education Trust’s Board of Directors has named Denise Forte, the organization’s senior vice president for partnerships and engagement, as interim CEO. John B. King Jr. will remain at the organization part-time as president to support Denise’s transition, and take a full leave of absence later this year, as he pursues a gubernatorial bid in the state of Maryland.

In her role as interim CEO, Denise Forte will ensure Ed Trust’s continued strength as a leader in using unflinching data analysis and fierce advocacy to advance policies and practices that expand excellence and equity in education, from preschool through college.

Denise brings more than two decades of experience in the federal legislative and executive branches, furthering progressive education and family policy, strategic leadership that will bolster Ed Trust’s efforts to engage policymakers and diverse coalitions of advocates in demanding and securing equity-advancing policy change at the national, state, and local levels. In her new role, Denise will build upon her success at The Education Trust, coordinating an organization-wide advocacy, legislative, and research agenda that expands educational and social justice.

Members of The Education Trust applaud this appointment, and, under Denise’s leadership, look forward to continuing our vital work to ensure a more equitable future for our nation’s students, especially those facing the most injustices.