Chad Wick is an innovator who seeks to create equity of education opportunity in order to prepare learners to thrive in the 21st century. Recognized by former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley as “one of the outstanding education leaders in the country,” Wick led KnowledgeWorks in its vision to transform education in the United States from a world of schooling to a world of learning. As the founding CEO, he has led KnowledgeWorks to achieve this mission by developing innovative high school approaches, providing seed grants, operating funds and extensive technical assistance and training that promotes and supports sustainable, system-wide changes.

Matthew Barcus currently serves as Chief Technology Officer for KnowledgeWorks and also for its New Tech Network subsidiary in Napa, CA.

Dr. Jillian Darwish is Vice President, Organizational Learning and Innovation (OLI), which works to build the capacity of groups to think and learn in new ways that support innovation and the creation of a world of learning. OLI carries out its work in three ways – creating innovative regional and national partnerships and programs; developing knowledge and resources for the future of learning, and designing strategic learning experiences.

As Director of Public Relations, Byron McCauley manages the day-to-day communications strategy for KnowledgeWorks, and serves as its primary spokesperson.

As Vice President of Strategic Thinking and Chief of Staff, Meredith Yacso is responsible for strategic planning, evaluating new opportunities for the foundation, internal operations, branding and communications.

Matt Williams currently serves as the Senior Director of National Advocacy and Partnerships for KnowledgeWorks Foundation. In this role, he is responsible for directing both federal and state relations on behalf of the Foundation. Matt assists the various divisions, subsidiaries, and major investments of KnowledgeWorks in building and maintaining relationships to advance their initiatives and also assists in advancing policy priorities for the Foundation.

Jeff Edmondson is Managing Director of the Strive Network, a national cradle-to-career initiative that brings together leaders in Pre-K-12 schools, higher education, business and industry, community organizations, government leaders, parents and other stakeholders who are committed to helping children succeed from birth through careers.