LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Education Partnership Board of Directors has announced that interim CEO Dr. Dawn A. Kurtz has been elevated to the organization’s full-time CEO, effective immediately. The appointment comes after Kurtz served as the interim CEO for the past seven months and is positioned to lead a seamless transition while building on the organization’s mission of advancing educational equity.
“The LAEP Board is thrilled to announce Dawn as the new CEO,” said Board Chair Sapna Shah. “Dawn’s proven record of accomplishment of success in the role, combined with her academic, professional, and leadership experience all make her the right choice to continue to move our organization forward. We are inspired by the leadership that Dawn has showcased over the past seven months, and we are eager to see what new heights she can help us reach in this permanent position.”
Following the departure of former LAEP President & CEO Michele Broadnax at the end of 2023, the LAEP Board of Directors hired a CEO search consultant to conduct a formal search process. The search included assessment and evaluation of both internal and external candidates. In the end, Kurtz was selected to continue the leadership that she showcased in the interim role.
“I believe wholeheartedly in LAEP’s vision and mission and am humbled by the opportunity to continue earning the same trust and respect of colleagues, board members, and community partners that I’ve strived to over the past 7 months,” Kurtz said. “I’m excited to continue building a positive, equity-focused culture that allows us to continue partnering with parents, students, and educators to impact systems change across the educational trajectory, from diapers to diplomas.”
Kurtz (51) brings a unique perspective to LAEP’s executive leadership team, having worked in academia, for a publicly funded grant-making agency, and in nonprofit settings. A developmental psychologist with a passion for social justice issues, Kurtz has for the past decade worked in early childhood education, contributing to multiple local and state-level systems change efforts, developing programs, and advocating for resources and supportive services for young children and their families.
Kurtz, a native Southern Californian, earned her doctorate from the University of Southern California. Previously, she served as LAEP’s Chief Program Officer before being elevated to the role of Interim CEO.
Under the recent guidance of Kurtz, LAEP has enjoyed new milestones. This past March, the organization opened the doors to a new Early Head Start Childcare Center, offering infants and toddlers a high-quality early learning experience. Also in March, LAEP co-hosted “A Gathering of Giants” Conference with California’s 21st Century California School Leadership Academy (21CSLA), bringing together educational leaders from five counties to inspire equitable classroom environments.
Recently, LAEP completed the first cohort of its Ready2Teach program, a 12-month program that provides teaching apprenticeship and classroom preparation, free college courses, and professional development.
To support organizational stability and staff capacity, LAEP has garnered new grants to support general operations, professional development, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.
Kurtz said she is excited for LAEP to continue building on the link between early child development and the ongoing family and educational support needed for success in college and career.