Local Education Leader Chosen to Head National Foundation

On the cusp of its 50th anniversary in 2019, the NEA Foundation, a public charity founded by educators for educators, today announced that Sara Sneed, a nationally recognized champion of public education, will succeed Harriet Sanford as president and CEO of the NEA Foundation on March 1, 2019.

The announcement comes at a time when public perception of educators as positive drivers of change is growing and their influence in policy and practice can be seen across the country.

Through its grants, programs and knowledge sharing, the NEA Foundation has provided important supports to nurture educator leadership. During Sanford’s tenure, it has invested more than $43 million to provide individual educators, districts, and unions with the support and resources they need to develop educator-led and designed solutions that address the specific challenges their students and communities face. The Foundation’s programs improve learning conditions for more than 200,000 students, strengthen state and local union affiliate capacity to advocate and collaborate with district and community leaders, and advance teaching and learning about global competencies and critical STEM fields.

“Sara is exactly the right person to build on the NEA Foundation’s many accomplishments and to enhance the depth, scope, and impact of our work,” said Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh, a 2009 Utah Teacher of the Year, who chairs the NEA Foundation Board of Directors. “Her extensive experience and expertise in education policy and strategy and her demonstrated success in advancing education equity and leading cross-sector collaborations make her a valuable find. Sara will ensure that the NEA Foundation continues to provide educators, their schools, and districts with resources and tools they need to do their best work.”

Sneed is a distinguished visionary and strategic leader with deep experience in building strong and sustained partnerships with educators, funders, the nonprofit sectors.

“I am honored by the trust the NEA Foundation and its board of directors is placing in me, especially as the Foundation embarks on its 50th anniversary of keeping the promise of public education,” Sneed said. “My commitment to this cause is very deep and strong. I look forward to working with educators across the U.S. to build on this important work of supporting public education for all students.”

Sneed joins the NEA Foundation as the former Director of Education Investments with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving where she led the development of initiatives enabling educators, schools, and school districts to achieve critical improvements in policies and practices supporting learning and student success.