When the Data Quality Campaign launched in 2005, I thought it was going to be a part-time, three-year effort. Boy, was I wrong! After 12 years of working to change the role of education data from a hammer to a flashlight, it is time for me to turn out my own office light at DQC. I have let the DQC Board know that I will step down as President by the end of the year.
It was not an easy decision to leave work in which I believe so deeply, a team that is so talented, and a board that is so focused on impact. The strength of DQC’s staff and board, and the robustness of our strategic and financial health, make it possible for me to pass the baton to a new leader who will ensure that DQC continues to strengthen the critical role of data to improve student achievement and outcomes.
I have not decided what I will focus on next, and I relish the opportunity to have some time and space to pause, reflect, and consider new endeavors that allow me to stretch and grow and continue to have a positive impact on the world around me. From wherever I next perch, I look forward to championing the power of data and being DQC’s loudest cheerleader!
DQC’s Board of Directors will retain a search firm to help manage an open, national process to select a strong and proven leader for DQC’s next chapter. Please help identify great individuals by spreading the word about this leadership opportunity. I have committed to remaining at DQC through the onboarding of the new president to ensure a seamless transition, and I am confident DQC will be in an even stronger position for growth and impact at the start of the new president’s tenure.
True to any campaign trying to change policy (and hearts and minds), the past 12 years at DQC have been fast-paced, focused on measurable impact and coalition building, and fueled by passion and the belief that this work is changing the world. We have better information than ever before to help students because of the growing partnership of advocates, policymakers, practitioners, funders, thinkers, and doers working together.
My years at DQC have been full of learning, growth, perspective-changing relationships, and a greater appreciation than ever for the power of partnership to move mountains. I have loved every minute of this adventure. There have been so many highlights and surprises along the way, but the one constant has been the joy that comes with working with people I respect, enjoy and from whom I learn. Thank you for being part of this journey with me and DQC. We still have a long way to go until every child has a quality education. Our work to ensure that every student and the adults working to support her have the quality information necessary to make the best decisions to help that child succeed is critical to reaching that goal.
With heartfelt appreciation,
President and CEO of the Data Quality Campaign
