The Churn

Elisa Villanueva Beard, former chief executive officer at Teach for America, will become president and chief executive officer of the Houston Endowment in March 2026.

Asher Lehrer-Small, former education reporter at Houston Landing, is now an associate reporter at the New York Times investigating police and security in Texas schools.

Clarence Wardell III, previously deputy director of economic mobility and opportunity at the Gates Foundation, is now vice president of programs at NextLadder Ventures.

Deborah Temkin Cahill, former chief research officer for Child Trends, is now chief operating officer at the Foundation for Child Development.

Tameka Royal, previously chief schools officer at Democracy Prep Public Schools, is transitioning to the role of chief executive officer.

Emma Vadehra, former chief operating officer and deputy chancellor for operations and finance for NYC Public Schools, is now policy director for New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

After serving as interim chief since September, My Nguyen is now chief communications officer at Digital Promise.

James Kvaal, former under secretary of education for the U.S. Department of Education, was appointed vice president of the  National Program at Carnegie Corporation of New York, effective December 8, 2025.