On behalf of the Los Angeles Education Partnership Board of Directors, it is with both gratitude for her leadership and genuine optimism for future possibilities that we announce that Michele Broadnax, LAEP President & CEO, will begin a new chapter as President & CEO of LA’s BEST Afterschool Enrichment Program. After five years at LAEP, this transition represents a promising evolution in Michele’s influence and impact within the educational community. We look forward to her future successes.
Effective immediately, Dr. Dawn Kurtz will be elevated from her current role as LAEP Chief Program Officer to Interim CEO. Dawn’s academic, professional, and leadership experience make her an ideal choice during this transition period, and we thank her for her thoughtfulness, enthusiasm, and alignment with the LAEP mission as she takes on this new role.
Michele will serve as an Advisor through year-end to continue her support of LAEP staff and the communities that LAEP serves. Additionally, the Board of Directors has commenced a formal CEO search process and will keep the community apprised of developments. Importantly, LAEP’s Board of Directors, Leadership Team, and staff are all invested in ensuring the organization’s work and direction continue.
“It has been an honor to lead this organization over the past five years and to be a part of its rich 40-year history,” says Michele Broadnax. “I want to express my appreciation to the LAEP community for your support and collaboration over the past five years. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained during my time here, and I believe that LAEP has a bright future ahead. I am confident that the talented LAEP team will continue to achieve great success in the future.”
“I am honored to be entrusted by the Board to lead LAEP through an important transition at a critical moment in this organization’s history,” Dawn Kurtz says. “I appreciate Michele’s partnership and support, which ensures a smooth transition. The LAEP Board and staff are amazing, passionate, dedicated individuals committed to the children, families, educators, and communities we serve. I am grateful for their partnership as we continue our important educational transformation work while the Board searches for the next leader of this fantastic organization.”
“The LAEP Board thanks Michele for leading the organization over the past five years and welcomes Dawn into the interim CEO role,” says Sapna Shah. “As we celebrate LAEP’s 40th anniversary, we are excited to build upon the progress made by Michele, Dawn, and the broader team to increase educational access and opportunity for all, from diapers to diplomas.”