EdFunders Welcomes Nicole Rodriguez Leach as the Next Executive Director

I’m pleased to share with you some exciting news about our leadership transition. Grantmakers for Education’s board of directors has named Nicole Rodriguez Leach as the incoming executive director of Grantmakers for Education as of July 1. Nicole brings extensive experience in education, philanthropy and nonprofit management, recently serving as a professor, executive advisor, director for Aprendes Foundation, and vice president of Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation. Her commitment to equity and excellence in education has been a powerful through-line in her career.

Nicole will arrive with a strong understanding of the mission and purpose of Grantmakers for Education. Many of you know Nicole from her previous service on EdFunders’ board of directors and as the conference planning committee chair in 2020. Nicole’s leadership will enhance Grantmakers for Education’s role as a trusted partner to education philanthropists as they work to advance effective, strategic and equity-centered grantmaking in education.

Nicole will work closely with board members and co-interim executive directors Beverly Ross Denny and Ulcca Joshi Hansen, to facilitate a smooth transition in leadership. There will be opportunities for members to meet Nicole in the coming months, and be sure to join us for our annual conference, October 10-12 in Atlanta, where you can meet her in person.

I appreciate the time invested by all parties during this transition period, including the support from the search firm Isaacson, Miller, and the members of the board and EdFunders staff who participated in the executive search process. I also am grateful to Beverly and Ulcca for their capable leadership during this period.

Please join me in welcoming this highly qualified and committed leader as she guides us into our next chapter.

Richard Tagle
Board Chair

P.S. Please see the press release and Nicole’s biography to learn more about our new executive director.