Elson Nash

Connecting People, Creating Change

I AM….

A Connector,

bridging public and private sectors to create impactful collaborations. I have expanded statewide centers for family engagement from 11 to 21 states and supervised a team of 12, managing six programs with a $450M budget. Connecting the right people drives change, and strengthens communities.

A Community Builder,

creating strong connections between schools and neighborhoods. I grew a school-community program from $5M for 11 schools to $150M for over 1,100 schools. I expanded a neighborhood program from 5 grants to 39, supporting cities, counties, and Tribal areas. These efforts have driven significant growth and empowered communities, demonstrating the power in commitment to fostering collaborative and inclusive environments.

An Education Leader,

and I have successfully expanded programming from 36 school districts to 65, supporting magnet schools representing science, technology, engineering, arts, and music. These efforts have enhanced educational opportunities and fostered inclusive learning environments, showing the importance of excellence and equity in education.

Projects and Initiatives

How I see it…

After working on a major urban renewal initiative of former President Jimmy Carter, I realized I had a knack for connecting schools to neighborhoods. Every parent wants a good school for their child. The ultimate joy is having a great neighborhood with great schools.

I love seeing a school where children love to learn and generations of family members feel connected to the school.

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Education and Experience

  • 2012-Present, U.S. Department of Education

  • 2002-2012, AmeriCorps

  • 2000-2002, Ashoka-Innovators for the Public

  • 1997-2000, California Campus Compact

  • Dissertation:  Community Organizing, Community Benefits Agreements, and the Quest for Equitable Development in Baltimore.

  • Masters Thesis: Wrap around Support Services for Fifth Avenue Elementary School

  • Social Science: Race Relations in America

Get in Touch!

My mission is to inspire, empower, and connect people to change the outcome of our communities.