The Education Trust’s Board of Directors has named interim CEO Denise Forte permanent CEO. Following a remarkable career of leadership and service on Capitol Hill, at the U.S. Department of Education, and in the nonprofit sector, Denise successfully led the organization while president and CEO John B. King Jr., former U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama, took a leave of absence.

As interim CEO, Denise led the safe and successful reopening of Ed Trust offices after more than two years of remote work, and, amid the pandemic, steered the organization’s urgent call to accelerate student learning by investing in evidence-based practices. She also oversaw exciting growth in the organization’s budget and deepened the Ed Trust presence in states across the country. As she takes on the permanent role of CEO, Denise will continue to lead the call for urgency in addressing unfinished learning and providing access to the high-quality education that all students deserve to reverse the pandemic’s impact on learning opportunities.

In a co-leadership model, John will continue to serve as president, and both John and Denise will report to the Board of Directors. Together, they will ensure Ed Trust’s continued leadership in combining data analysis with advocacy to advance policies and practices that expand excellence and equity in education from preschool through college.

###