November 9, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) — The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) is thrilled to share the appointments of the following members to our Board of Directors:
- Oprah Keyes Patterson, Associate Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations, University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Dr. Matthew Militello, Wells Fargo Distinguished Professor in Educational Leadership, East Carolina University
- Dr. Aníbal Soler Jr., Superintendent, Yonkers Public Schools
- Kathleen Traphagen, Co-Director, Grantmakers for Thriving Youth
This cross-sectional team of exceptional leaders representing higher education, K-12 schools, and the philanthropic sector adds an exciting array of experiences, skill sets, and ideas to our already stellar Board of Directors.
“Throughout my time as a Community School Coordinator, Assistant Director of Community Schools, and later as Director of Strategic Partnerships for a Promise Neighborhood initiative, IEL served as a North Star for best practices, professional learning, and collective impact,” Keyes Patterson said. “Through the University-Assisted Community Schools Network and other shared-learning opportunities, I built relationships, gained resources, and strengthened leadership skills that shaped my approach to partnership-building and systems change. I am honored to join the Board and look forward to giving back to an organization that has influenced my leadership journey while helping advance its mission of driving meaningful change for children, families, and communities.”
“My relationship with the Institute for Educational Leadership began more than 20 years ago through the Kellogg Leadership for Community Change initiative and continued through our partnership on a $7 million U.S. Department of Education grant for which I served as principal investigator,” shared Dr. Militello. “Throughout my career, my scholarship and practice have been grounded in the belief that meaningful and lasting educational change happens when leaders learn and work alongside students, educators, families, and community members. I am honored to join IEL’s Board of Directors at this important moment of leadership transition and look forward to helping shape its next chapter, one that elevates the voices of families and communities as essential partners in the future of our schools.”
“As a superintendent, I see every day how much is possible when schools, families, and community partners share responsibility for student success,” added Dr. Soler. “Our young people bring extraordinary talent and promise, and we have a responsibility to ensure that opportunity matches that potential. I am honored to join IEL’s Board of Directors and contribute the perspective of an urban district leader to its work across the country. I look forward to advancing community schools, strengthening family partnerships, and developing leaders who listen to stakeholders and act alongside the communities they serve.”
“IEL supports and develops changemakers to reimagine our education, workforce and youth development systems to meet the promise of providing all young people with opportunities to reach their full potential,” Traphagen notes. “IEL’s many networks and programs equip educators and young people with resources, tools, professional development and connections to drive transformational change in their communities. I am excited to play a part in supporting this critical work.”
IEL Board Chair Michael Sims expressed his enthusiasm about the addition of members, stating, “These individuals are new faces on IEL’s Board but are certainly not new to IEL or its mission. They each bring capabilities that will continue to support IEL’s growth and impact across the education ecosystem, fostering new partnerships and funding opportunities. The Board extends our warmest welcome and looks forward to working together in the years ahead.”
Board Vice Chair Tauheedah Jackson added that, “Our new peers on the Board are deeply rooted in the areas of work that IEL champions, including Community Schools, youth justice, and place-based initiatives. Their appointments are another strategic step by this team to set IEL up for success in creating better opportunity and economic mobility for all children, youth, and families!”
IEL Interim President Kwesi Rollins added, “Our four new board members all lead systems-level change in their communities and fields. Their expertise will be pivotal in helping advance IEL’s mission to achieve sustainable outcomes with and for our schools, neighborhoods, and communities across the country.”
For more information about the Institute for Educational Leadership, please visit our website at www.iel.org