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In the Media
Education panel discusses effect of COVID-19 on Black male student engagement
Chanel Hill, The Philadelphia Tribune
The panel discussion featured remarks from Donald Guy Generals, president of Community College of Philadelphia (CCP); Derrick A. Perkins, director of CCP’s Center for Male Engagement and I Am More Reentry Engagement programs; and Kenneth Ray Jr., vice president of student services and enrollment management for Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida.
Dr. Generals Named a Metro Philadelphia Education Power Player
Earlier this month, Metro Philadelphia named College President Dr. Donald “Guy” Generals as one of 94 Education Power Players. The list includes influential leaders who are creating more accessible pathways to a quality education, fostering meaningful collaborations between schools and communities, and supporting the long-term success of students by ensuring that every Philadelphia student is learning.
Philadelphia Business Journal's Power 100
Dr. Generals has been recognized in Philadelphia Business Journal's Power 100, a group of influential leaders from various industries across the region. Selected by PBJ staff, the list considers those who hold powerful positions who are helping to shape the future of their respective industries.
The 2022 Power of Diversity: Black 100
“Since Donald Guy Generals became the sixth president of Community College of Philadelphia in 2014, he has focused on increasing the availability and the visibility of the city’s only public institution of higher learning, which serves more than 35,000 credit and noncredit students from diverse social, cultural and educational backgrounds.”
2022 Globy Award for Educational Leadership
Dr. Generals was recognized for his 20 years of teaching experience and leadership as president of Community College of Philadelphia. In this conversation with Global Philadelphia, he reveals why he began teaching, why modern college students should consider community college as an option, and what goals he hopes we accomplish by 2025 here at the College.
Making strides on pathways
Douglas Guth, Community College Daily
“We knew going in that we needed to focus on a structure for student success,” says Donald Generals, president of the Community College of Philadelphia, among the 30 pioneering institutions that joined the Pathways Project upon its 2015 launch. “That meant having a structured approach to career opportunities, with folks knowing what their aspirations are, and looking at data-based evidence as a means for decision-making.”
Community College of Philadelphia president Generals wins national award
Chanel Hill, The Philadelphia Tribune
Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) President Donald Generals has been awarded the 2021 Standout College President/Chancellor Award by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, a national initiative that empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement.
Education panel discusses effect of COVID-19 on Black male student engagement
The panel discussion featured remarks from Donald Guy Generals, president of Community College of Philadelphia (CCP); Derrick A. Perkins, director of CCP’s Center for Male Engagement and I Am More Reentry Engagement programs; and Kenneth Ray Jr., vice president of student services and enrollment management for Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida.
Honoring Campuses Amidst Record College Student Voter Turnout
College students turned out to vote at a record rate of 66 percent in 2020; a rate 14 points higher than in 2016 and on par with the general population. This week, the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge celebrated this success and recognized colleges and universities and the students, faculty and staff, presidents and chancellors, coaches, partner organizations, and election officials that helped ensure that college students across the country were able to register to vote and cast informed ballots despite a global pandemic. Dr. Generals was one of two college presidents honored at the ceremony.
The 76 Most Influential Philadelphians
Dr. Generals made the list of influential Philadelphians for raising the profile of the campus with smart and savvy moves, such as making CCP the first public college in the region to enforce a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for faculty, staff and students, and allocating $2.75 million in federal relief funds to pay off outstanding account balances for close to 3,500 students.
Best of Philly: 2021 College President – Donald “Guy” Generals
In the year of the Great Pandemic, a dozen area heads of school decided to decamp, retire, or become the ambassador to Germany. (Higher ed is complicated!) Yet Generals, president of the Community College of Philadelphia since 2014, shone for his public service and community engagement, including CCP’s “Enough Is Enough” initiative to help students work through the trauma sparked by George Floyd’s murder.
Community College of Philadelphia President Wins National Leadership Award
Dr. Donald “Guy” Generals, the president of Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), has received the 2021 Pacesetter of the Year award from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR).
COVID-Era College: Are Students Satisfied?
Donald Guy Generals, Community College of Philadelphia’s president, says his students’ social lives have traditionally involved a lot of community activities, such as helping local schools with community gardens.
Dr. Generals Recognized as one of the Philadelphia Business Journal's Power 100
February 26, 2021
Dr. General was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the Philadelphia area during the year 2020. The editorial team at the Philadelphia Business Journal selects the Power 100 using a panel of experts in collaboration with their editorial staff.
Dr. Generals Receives the Philadelphia Tribune Magazine’s 2020 Most Influential Leader Award
November 12, 2020
Dr. Generals has been awarded the Philadelphia Tribune Magazine’s 2020 Most Influential Leader award. Annually the Philadelphia Tribune acknowledges African-American Leaders in the region for outstanding commitment to our community.
Dr. Generals Serves on AL DÍA’s 2020 Hispanic Heritage Awards Advisory Board
This year’s honorees were selected by an advisory board of 16, led by Judge Nelson Diaz and a new co-chair, PECO President and CEO, Michael Innocenzo. Honoress are selected for their leadership in the nonprofit, public service, health, education and business sectors. AL DÍA’s virtual 2020 Hispanic Heritage Awards ceremony will take place on Oct. 7.
CCP president on Covid-19 challenges and the school's role in the fight for racial justice
The Philadelphia Business Journal
Donald "Guy" Generals said the school isn't just trying to prepare students for the post-pandemic economy, it also needs to take a "leading role" amid the fight for racial justice.
Community College of Philadelphia will start fall with online classes
"Generals said even if the city were to get the state’s “green” designation, which would allow restaurants, gyms, and other major venues to reopen at less capacity, the college will stay with online classes at the semester’s start. College committees, he said, looked at a number of options and couldn’t figure out a way to safely provide social distancing and other safeguards, such as testing, needed for an in-person start, given all the uncertainty, he said."
CCP announces plans to hold online classes for the fall
“Making this decision now gives everyone a chance to register now without worrying that their fall semester will be interrupted,” president of CCP Donald Guy Generals told the Tribune on Tuesday [May, 26]. “It also gives our faculty and staff time to plan for the best possible education experience this Fall.”
The State of Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Inside Story with Matt O'Donnell
Dr. Generals and Farah Jimenez, President & CEO, Philadelphia Education Fund, joined host Matt O'Donnell for an in-depth discussion on education, virtual curriculums, the learning gap for the underserved, the cost of private and state colleges vs. community colleges, and whether students take a 'gap year.
WURD Radio interview with Andrea Lawful Sanders
March 19, 2020
Announcing the Octavius Catto Scholarship
As Mayor Kenney prepares to unveil his plan to make the College tuition-free, Dr. Generals discusses the College's hopes to provide tools that will spur Philadelphians toward economic and cultural prosperity.
Celebrating Black History Month
Dr. Generals joins WURD Radio host Syreeta Martin for "Happy Hour College tour" to discuss the 1619 Project, new academic offerings at the College and more.
Working to Make College Tuition-Free
Immediately showing support after Mayor Jim Kenney announced at his inauguration that he wants to make Community College of Philadelphia tuition-free, Dr. Generals told the Philadelphia Tribune that he is excited about the Mayor's “commitment to ensuring that all Philadelphians have quality educational experiences from pre-K through college,” and looks forward to creating more resources for city residents to earn a credential or degree.
Growing Business in Philadelphia
Dec. 23, 2019
Donald Guy Generals, Ed.D., President of Community College of Philadelphia(CCP), talks about the partnership between CCP, the City of Philadelphia and Goldman Sachs to provide small business owners tools for growth. Recorded December 19, 2019.
Guided Pathways at Community College of Philadelphia: A Catalyst for Institutional Change
Community College Research Center
Dr. Generals contributed the second in a series by practitioners at AACC Pathways Project colleges describing their experience with implementing guided pathways reforms.
True Philadelphia Podcast with Matt O'Donnell
Sept. 12, 2019
Dr. Generals joined Matt O'Donnell on his True Philadelphia podcast to discuss why college continues to be so expensive and outpace inflation, how this generation of student is starting to seek more value in education, why Community College of Philadelphia and other community colleges should be free, how education is the latest industry to be disrupted by technology, the importance of writing as a skill and more.
Dialogues: Dr. Donald 'Guy' Generals interviews Dr. William Hite
Dr. Generals invited Dr. William Hite, Superintendent of Philadelphia School Districts, to be interviewed on CCPTV53. The two discuss strategies, initiatives and challenges for shaping the future of education in Philadelphia.
Local couple’s donation will make CCP free for some nontraditional students
“Either due to personal, social, or financial reasons, many students delay going to college, which negatively impacts their ability to achieve a college degree or pursue career opportunities,” Dr. Generals said. “In many cases, the returning students are more mature and return with a stronger commitment to the value of education and its benefits.”
After battling faculty union, president ponders CCP’s future at his 5-year mark: ‘We want to make our students well’
“We want to make the community, our students, well,” Dr. Generals said, “both in terms of their educational prospects and opportunity, as well as the lives that they live.”
The Community College of Philadelphia Black and Gold Gala of hope and redemption
“This fundraiser is a way to acknowledge and honor those who committed themselves to college admissions,” Dr. Generals said. “Our goal was to honor students, alumni and community together, to celebrate the college and its mission to eradicate barriers for those who [wish] to attend college.”
Eagles’ Malcolm Jenkins receives award from Community College of Philadelphia for work in the inner city
At the Community College of Philadelphia Black and Gold gala, Eagles player Malcom Jenkins was presented with the Community Hero Award for his service in advancing education, economic advancement in low income communities, criminal justice reform, and police community relations.
Modern Day Heroes: A Celebration
Dr. Generals and Derrick Perkins share the success stories of three participants of the Center for Male Engagement Program at Community College of Philadelphia to celebrate the next generation of leaders.
Alum Innovates to Make Higher Education Accessible to the Nation’s Most Vulnerable Populations
“Philadelphia has a 25% poverty rate, which is the highest poverty rate of the 10 largest cities in the nation – the only way to break the vicious cycle of poverty is through education,” states Dr. Generals. “My vision of accessibility is focused on social justice, and the amazing faculty and staff at the Community College of Philadelphia have rallied around this cause.”
MaST students receive degrees from CCP
Six students from MaST Community Charter School graduated May 4 with associate degrees from the Community College of Philadelphia more than a month before their high school graduation.
Hallahan HS, Community College of Phila. ink partnership
Dr. Generals signed the agreement for a dual course of study between John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School and Community College of Philadelphia on May 9.
CareerLink Job Hub opens at CCP’s Northeast campus
“We see this Job Resource Hub as another pillar in our commitment to serving the community,” said Donald Generals, president of CCP and Philadelphia Works board member. “It is exciting for the Community College and Philadelphia Works to come together to address the need for coordinated workforce development efforts in Northeast Philadelphia. We hope this new hub will benefit not only CCP students, but the entire Northeast Philadelphia community.”
Community College of Philadelphia unveils $7.2M in lab upgrades
"The renovations are an investment in workforce development."
Community College of Philadelphia Combats Poverty as a way to Support Student Success
"It is our goal to increase the number of graduates to compete for the jobs of the future and take part in the city's renaissance," Dr. Donald Guy Generals, president of Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), said. The College, in fact, is preparing to break ground on a new Career and Advanced Technology Center in West Philadelphia that will provide in-demand skilled and technical talent and expand access to family sustaining jobs."
iHeart Radio Interview with Dr. Generals
Lorraine Ballard Morrill interviews Dr. Generals about how Community College of Philadelphia is a path to family-sustaining jobs for Philadelphians and how the College is supporting Mayor Kenney's workforce development initiatives. The College is creating guided pathways that lead to student success and create a pipeline to a skilled Philadelphia workforce.
Dr. Generals Honored in Philadelphia Business Journal's "Power 100" list
"In a city where about a quarter of the students live in poverty, having access to education is a key to future wage and economic growth, and Guy Generals has continued to press not just student success at the school but at the four-year institutions that it has teamed up with to provide a clear, affordable pathway to a four-year degree in im-demand fields."
Dr. Generals Named in "Made Man Foundation honors 50 Black influencers"
"Fifty Black male business and community leaders were honored Thursday for their career and community achievements by The Made Man Foundation"
Dr. Generals featured in Rutgers Graduate School of Educational Impact Report
Dr. Generals was granted the honor of being featured by his Alma mater for his innovation and leadership in education. "My vision for accessibility at the college is focused on social justice, and the amazing faculty and staff at the Community College of Philadephia have rallied around this cause", he said. He also discussed his experience at Rutgers, his mentors, and historical figures that have inspired his journey in higher education leadership.
Dr. Generals Recognized as one of Philadelphia's 'Most Influential' African Americans
"The Philadelphia Tribune, the nation’s oldest and greater Philadelphia’s largest newspaper serving the African-American community, honored over 150 regional movers and shakers at its annual 'Philadelphia’s Most Influential African Americans'"
Old Factories Bring New Jobs, Hope and Conversations About Shared Growth to a Struggling Neighborhood
"Thanks to a partnership between Goldman Sachs, the City of Philadelphia, Community College of Philadelphia and Shift Capital LLC, hope, jobs and opportunity are being manufactured in a building at 3401 I Street in one of the city’s hardest-pressed neighborhoods."
City Biz List releases 3 Part Interview with Dr. Generals
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Dr. Generals on WURD Radio
Dr. Generals joins Keaton on WURD Radio during the show's live broadcast from Community College of Philadelphia for The Lounge's College Tour to discuss many opportunities that students can take advantage of at the College.
CCP And Parx Casino Work To Eliminate Barriers, Build On The Strengths Of Philly's Students
'The College is addressing the disparities in student success with promising practices tailored to support students' individual needs, including those that provide bridges to degree completion and supports that anchor students when tough times arrive,' said Dr. Donald Guy Generals, president of the College. 'Students need to have an environment that is conducive to their interests, that is sensitive to their needs and really paves the way and enlightens them to the importance of doing well, not just in the classroom, but in preparation for going into the classroom.'
Presentations and Speaking Engagements
2021
ThinkFest 2021: Educating Philly, from Pre-K to PhDs
Nov. 11, 2021
In the seventh session of Philadelphia magazine's ThinkFest 2021, editor Kate Dailey speaks with Dr. William Hite, outgoing superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, and Dr. Guy Generals, president of the Community College of Philadelphia, about what the arc of a public school education should look like. Watch the session.
2021 ACCT Leadership Congress
Oct. 13-16, 2021
Dr. Generals, Mayor Kenney and Jeremiah White, chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, gave a presentation at the annual Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) conference, held Oct. 13 to 16. The session, titled “A Model City-College Partnership,” highlighted how the College and the City have collaborated to achieve better outcomes for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable residents through three signature initiatives: the Power Up Your Business program, the Octavius Catto Scholarship, and the shared housing program in partnership with the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
Dr. Generals Addressing Challenges to Black Males
July 28, 2021
A free event hosted by the National Alliance of Community & Technical Colleges features panelists Dr. Generals; Derrick Perkins, director of the Center for Male Engagement; and Dr. William Hite, superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. They will discuss the impact that the pandemic has had on Black male students, such as employment, college attendance and health care.
Fireside Chat: Honoring Black History Month
February 17, 2021
With dozens of College students, faculty and staff in attendance, Dr. Generals, Community College of Philadelphia’s president, held his annual Black History Month fireside chat on February 17. The event began as a rigorous examination of race and social stratification in the United States and eventually lead to a lively and multifaceted group conversation.
2020
Celebrating 15 Years of Graduate! Philadelphia: Advancing Learning Pathways and Economic Opportunity
October 27, 2020
Dr. Generals will be a featured speaker at ED Talks: A Showcase of Learning and Innovation in the Era of COVID-19. How do we ensure advancement in career pathways, promote positive health outcomes and help adults prepare for the future? Hear directly from Graduate! Philadelphia and local educational and nonprofit leaders about how higher education and workforce development is a driving force behind our region’s economic, health and social recovery. This virtual event will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
B. PHL Fireside Chat
July 22, 2020
Dr. Generals was a guest on B. PHL's Fireside Chat series on July 22, which streamed on Facebook Live. He talked about the College as a vital educational resource in the city, how learning has changed with COVID-19 and how the College helps small businesses thrive through such programs as Power Up.
An Eco-system for a Poverty Action Plan: re-imagining, innovating and a call to action
July 9, 2020
Dr. Generals was featured as a guest speaker at a virtual event created by the Social Innovations Journal. He spoke on the issues that underly economic disparity in Philadelphia, and Philadelphia's Poverty Action Plan's promise to raise 100,000 residents out of poverty by 2024.
University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education roundtable: Inside Leaders’ Minds: Planning for the Uncertain Future
Philadelphia, PA, May 6, 2020
With peers like Dr. Julie Wollman, president of Widener University and Father Scott Pilarz, president of the University of Scranton, Dr. Generals participated in a roundtable to discuss issues and innovations in higher education. The roundtable is part of the University of Pennsylvania’s Visiting College Leaders Series.
City of Philadelphia Catto press briefing
Philadelphia, PA, March 3, 2020
At his annual budget hearing, Mayor Jim Kenney proposed an important new anti-poverty initiative designed to put more Philadelphians on the path to success at Community College of Philadelphia. The program, named the Octavius Catto Scholarship, aims to make the transformative power of education available to students by providing funding and additional supports. Dr. Generals spoke about this new opportunity for community college students, saying. "We are thrilled that Mayor Kenney is proposing to invest in the city’s college, as the best partner to make the transformative power of education available to even more Philadelphians.” Read more about the Octavius Catto Scholarship here.
The Conference on Poverty and Inequality at the Harvard Kennedy School
Cambridge, Massachusetts, February 29, 2020.
Dr. Generals served as a panelist on the session The Vision for Free College. The Conference on Poverty and Inequality is a student-run conference that focuses on social issues, public policy, and community activism related to social and economic inequality in the United States.
Black History Month-Racial Discrimination & Justice System
Community College of Philadelphia, February 25, 2020
Dr. Generals provided closing remarks for a panel discussion that explored themes of racial profiling, coercive interrogation tactics, racial disparities in legal representation, racial overcharging and over sentencing, and prison culture and the challenges of re-entry.
Black History Month Fireside Chat: The 1619 Project
Community College of Philadelphia, February 20, 2020
Dr. Generals stood in from of a crowd of over 50 students, faculty and staff in the Winnet Student Life building. The topic of the chat was the New York Times 1619 Project, and Dr, Generals spent roughly an hour inviting audience members “to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the very center of our national narrative.”
Live interview with WURD Radio, Regarding the 1619 Project
Community College of Philadelphia, February 20, 2020
Dr, Generals followed his fireside chat with a live interview on WURD Radio. Listen to the full interview here.
2019
The Future of Work: Creating Generational Wealth, WURD Radio Founder's Day
Philadelphia, PA, August 23, 2019.
To celebrate the life and legacy of WURD founder, Walter P. Lomax Jr. M.D., Dr. Generals took part in a panel discussion entitled Lively-HOOD: The Future of Work and Thriving Communities and spoke about creating intergenerational wealth for poor and marginalized families. In recognition of Lomax Jr.'s work as a physician and entrepreneur, the event featured a full day of wellness activities and education that focused on job readiness, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.
Building a Workforce System for Young Adults in Philadelphia, The Aspen Institute
Philadelphia, PA, April 24, 2019.
Dr. Generals took part in the Aspen Institute's Opportunity Youth Forum to discuss the College's part in Philadelphia's City Workforce plan. Watch a video of the full panel discussion on YouTube.
The Future is Now: Closing the Data Analytics Skills Gap Town Hall, Wharton School and Working Nation
Philadelphia, PA, February 26, 2019.
"Data analysis is driving today's business decisions in all industries, from financial services to healthcare, to marketing, to sports." According to LinkedIn and Glassdoor, it's one of the most in-demand jobs in America. But how is our education system preparing job seekers for the demands of the job market? Dr. Generals joined a panel of experts to talk about how the College has created initiatives like dual enrollment so that students in Philadelphia can begin access STEM and computer science education at an early age. Watch a video of this panel on YouTube.
World Class Minds: Education in Philadelphia, Invest: Philadelphia Launch Panel
Philadelphia, PA, January 24, 2019.
"Philadelphia’s top constituents came out for Invest: Philadelphia's World Class Minds panel and launch conference, which was held as part of a celebration of the inaugural edition of Invest: Philadelphia Magazine"... "Dr. Michael Mittelman, president of Salus joined Craig Carnaroli, executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania; and Dr. Guy Generals, president of the Community College of Philadelphia, on stage to discuss hot topics such as student debt and accessibility in higher education." Read the full article on this event, written by Salus University.
American Association of Community Colleges Pathways 101 Workshop Leaders Panel
New Orleans, LA, January 18, 2019.
Community College of Philadelphia implements a Guided Pathways model in order to help our students find success in education and the job market. Dr. Generals joined the American Association of Community Colleges to talk about how the College combines comprehensive academic programs with support services, and "instructional approaches [that] are redesigned and realigned to help students clarify their goals, choose and enter pathways that will achieve those goals, stay on those pathways, and master knowledge and skills that will enable them to advance in the labor market and successfully pursue further education." Read more about the AACC's Guided Pathways project.
2018
The Future of Higher Education, A Conversation with College Leaders, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
Philadelphia, PA, November 10, 2018.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing higher education today? To help answer this question, Dr. Generals joined presidents and provost of local universities at the University of Pennsylvania's homecoming weekend and spoke about how the College is planning for its future at a time when higher education is more essential to our communities than ever before.
Discussion on Incarceration
Episcopal Cathedral of Philadelphia, PA, September 25, 2018.
Changing the National Conversation: Inclusion and Equity Conference Keynote Presentation
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, September 20, 2018.
Dr. Generals joined an audience of community college presidents, minority-serving institutions, liberal arts colleges, and research-intensive universities to discuss methods for increasing diversity in higher education. Read more about this event on PennToday.
Economic Stability and Education, Social Determinants of Health Conference
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, September 24, 2018.
Together with a variety of local leaders, Dr. Generals spoke at the Social Determinants of Health Conference, sponsored by the American Heart Association. This conference brought together a diverse pool of experts to tackle issues like food deserts and lack of access to healthcare, education and safe spaces for psychical activity.
President’s Panel, Annual Conference on Teaching and Learning Assessment: Leading a Collaborative Revolution for Change
Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, September 13, 2018.
Sitting on a panel of four Philadelphia college and university presidents, Dr. Generals spoke on "the future of higher education in light of advances in instructional delivery modalities, heightened federal regulatory compliance, enrollment troughs, budget compaction" and more.
Healthcare and Higher Education in Philadelphia, City of Philadelphia Investor Conference
Philadelphia, PA, July 18, 2018.
Academic Advising: Examining Its Impact on Student Success, American Association of Community Colleges Annual Meeting
Dallas, TX, April 30, 2018.
Body, Mind and Soul: A Holistic Approach to Supporting Students, Arizona State University and Global Silicon Valley Summit
San Diego, CA, April 17, 2018.
Educate Philly hosted by the Philadelphia Education Fund
Philadelphia, PA, March 29, 2018.
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Community College Institute Keynote Presentation
Philadelphia, PA, March 3, 2018.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Symposium on Social Change Keynote Presentation
University of Pennsylvania African American Resource Center, Philadelphia, PA, January 24, 2018.
2017
How Colleges and Universities Impact the Social and Economic Environment of Philadelphia, Citizen Speaks: The University and the City
Philadelphia, PA, April 20, 2017
Fellow panelists included presidents of University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University and Drexel University.
Board Memberships and Special Committees
Mayor Parker’s Educational Transition Team (co-chair)
Governor Shapiro Educational Transition Team (co-chair)
Philadelphia’s Superintendent of Schools Transition Team (co-chair)