March 31, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) — The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) is honored to share that Dr. Bernadine Futrell, a fierce community champion and education advocate, has joined IEL as a Senior Fellow to support our work in helping IEL scale solutions that address essential questions to drive systemic change.
Most recently serving in the Biden-Harris White House as the Director of the Office of Head Start at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, Bernadine oversaw discretionary grants, including Full-Service Community Schools, Head Start, and Promise Neighborhoods, managing over $13 billion in funding. In these roles, she led the nationwide reopening of Head Start programs during the pandemic, spearheaded policy changes to expand program eligibility, and championed efforts to create more inclusive and equitable learning environments. Prior to her federal service, Dr. Futrell developed and led leadership programs at the National Head Start Association (NHSA) and AASA, The School Superintendents Association. She is the co-author of ConnectED Leaders and serves on the Board of Visitors for Howard University’s School of Education.
“I am honored to join the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) as a Senior Fellow at such a critical moment for education,” shares Bernadine. “For years, IEL has been a driving force in bringing together leaders and organizations committed to ensuring that every child and family has the resources and opportunities they need to make an impact. Under the exceptional leadership of President Eddie Koen, IEL is shaping the future of education, and I am excited to contribute to this important work.”
“As a parent and lifelong advocate for education,” Bernadine continued, “I understand firsthand the importance of strong leadership in shaping success for our children. With states taking on an even greater role in education, now is the time to step up and ensure that our classrooms, schools, and communities have the support they need. Every family—just like mine—wants great schools that prepare children for a bright future. Together, we can turn that vision into reality.”
IEL President Eddie Koen added, “Bernadine is no stranger to IEL – whether giving a plenary address at our National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference to over 4,000 people, or serving as a speaker at our Washington Policy Seminar for education leaders looking to build their advocacy capacity, she has been an inspiration to our team and our networks. Her experience will help accelerate the critical work needed in our communities at this time. Her passion for early learning and intentional family engagement aligns with our mission to create better opportunities for all children, youth, and families.”
For more information about the Institute for Educational Leadership, please visit our website at www.iel.org