Blair serves as senior government affairs manager, working alongside the director of government affairs and other members of the partnerships and engagement team to develop and execute The Education Trust’s equity agenda at both the federal and state level. In this role, he helps advance the organization’s legislative, regulatory, and advocacy strategy across early childhood, P-12, and higher education, helping to improve the lives and educational outcomes of our nation’s most vulnerable students.
Prior to joining The Education Trust, Blair worked on Capitol Hill for nearly five years in the office of U.S. Representative A. Donald McEachin (D-VA), where, as senior policy advisor, he managed a diverse legislative portfolio. Before that, Blair served as deputy finance director for then-Virginia State Senator A. Donald McEachin’s successful bid for Congress in 2016.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Blair holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Virginia.
What are people most surprised to learn about you?
Growing up, my dad had a goal for my brothers and me to climb the highest mountain in every state. I’ve currently climbed over 40!
Why are you passionate about working at Ed Trust?
The Education Trust is a fierce and tireless advocate for improving the lives and educational outcomes of every student, particularly our nation’s most vulnerable. During my time on Capitol Hill, I was fortunate enough to work alongside The Education Trust and others to protect the civil rights of students, particularly students of color and students with disabilities, and I am extremely excited to continue that work and more.
Author Archives
The Further Gutting of the Department of Education
Cutting nearly half of mission-critical positions across the Department of Education means fewer resources and support for students and families
Don’t Let Trump Use Student Test Scores as an Excuse to Tank Public Education
Continuing the assault on public education is eliminating $350 million for the Regional Education Laboratories (RELs)
Blog Series: The Myriad Barriers and Opportunities for Students of Color with Disabilities
For students of color, students with disabilities, and those with intersecting identities, the challenges they face are severe.
Introducing Our Graduate Student Advisory Council
Announcing the formation of our Graduate Student Advisory Council to support our work on race, disability, and equity.
Focusing on the Intersection of Race, Disability, and Equity
EdTrust announces a yearlong line of work on race, disability, and equity that will cover students of color in special education.
How Student, Family, and Community Engagement Impacts Students’ Social, Emotional, and Academic Development (SEAD)
This report discusses how schools can better communicate with families, caregivers, and communities to support students’ academic development and overall wellbeing.
How Mental Health Supports Impact Social, Emotional, and Academic Development (SEAD)
Millions of students across the country, especially students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities, lack access to critical school-based mental health services.
The Protecting Our Students in Schools Act and the Keeping All Students Safe Act Will Protect Students
At a time when Americans are increasingly worried about external threats to the health and safety of children in schools, state-sanctioned violence at the hands of educators, who are expected…
How School Discipline Impacts Students’ Social, Emotional and, Academic Development (SEAD)
Last year, Mississippi schools used corporal punishment 4,300 times — and the impact affects more than the students experiencing…
Thoughts on Secretary Cardona’s Speech on ED’s 2023 Priorities
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona addressed the nation on Tuesday in a speech called ‘Raise the Bar: Lead the World,” where he discussed the Department’s priorities for the coming…
Speaking Out and Showing Up for LGBTQ+ Students
Last month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which prohibits educators from teaching children in kindergarten through third grade about sexual orientation or gender…
Learning Honest History Isn’t Criminal — It’s What Students Deserve to Know
Amid the debate surrounding so-called Critical Race Theory (CRT), Republican lawmakers in 37 states have introduced legislation or taken significant steps to limit an educator’s ability to discuss race and…