Reginald Nash, MPP
Assistant Director, External Relations
Reginald is the External Relations Manager for The Education Trust in Tennessee, where he leads our office’s government relations work and supports the strategic partnership building and advocacy efforts of our statewide alliance. He strengthens relationships with policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders across Tennessee in support of our policy agenda and expanding awareness around key state-level educational equity considerations.
Prior to joining The Education Trust, Reginald was a policy staffer on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. for House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries of New York, where his issue portfolio included education, housing, taxation, and financial services. He also previously served as a kindergarten teacher in the Frayser community of Memphis, TN, and in several high-impact policy, advocacy, and leadership development fellowships and political campaigns.
Born in southern California but raised in rural southwestern Virginia, Reginald holds a Bachelor’s in History from the University of Houston and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Public Policy with a K-12 policy specialization at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education.
Superpower/Secret Talent I love to cook foods from all different types of cultures and cuisines. I come from a long line of master cooks and even successful restaurant owners – I guess it’s in my DNA to entertain and curate special moments through food!
Favorite Sports Team New Orleans Saints (NFL), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
Proudest Moment Tied between earning my Capitol Hill Fellowship placement and graduating from college as a first-generation student.
Why are you passionate about working at Ed Trust? I’ve long admired Ed Trust’s thought leadership and political courage around educational equity and justice – fierce advocates unafraid to boldly say the things that need to be said and work tirelessly to improve outcomes for our most vulnerable students and communities. Every day, I see myself, my family, and my community’s stories and experiences in the work that I do. I have never had the fortune of a position so mission-aligned to my values and what I feel is my ultimate calling in life, and to do this impactful work alongside a nationwide network of such committed, brilliant, and talented people is an added bonus.