Keystone Policy Center Names Jennifer Holladay Director of its Center for Education

Jennifer Holladay, an education policy leader, former senior leader in the Denver Public Schools, and former governance director of Highline Academy Charter Schools, has joined Keystone Policy Center as the new director of Keystone’s Center for Education.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer to the Keystone team to lead our Center for Education. Her expertise and unwavering commitment to improving education for all students will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts in creating sustainable solutions for the future,” said Christine Scanlan, president and CEO of Keystone Policy Center. “Jennifer’s relentless dedication to fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments aligns seamlessly with Keystone Policy Center’s mission to build consensus and drive positive change. Her passion for collaboration and finding common ground resonates deeply with our values, and we are eager to see the impact Keystone will make for students, communities, educators, and policymakers under her leadership.”

Jen pictured with daughter, Zoe, at her high school graduation.

Holladay’s experience includes serving as an education consultant, a senior leader and in other management roles for Denver Public Schools, the President of Highline Academy Charter Schools, and as a senior advisor and education director for the Southern Poverty Law Center. Holladay is also a noted public speaker, including speaking at TedX Denver Teachers and offering the keynote addresses for the White Privilege Conference and the Georgia School Counselors Association. She’s also offered numerous training courses and panel presentations in several contexts, from the National Governors Association to the NAACP National Convention.

“Keystone’s history of challenging entrenched assumptions in the education system and giving families and students the opportunity to participate in the education decisions impacting them is beyond compare,” said Holladay. “I’ve worked with education stakeholders throughout my career dedicated to finding solutions to complex challenges and opportunities when there initially appeared to be ‘no right answers.’ Keystone is a catalyst for the effective and genuine engagement required to find those solutions and I look forward to building on that expertise to address the critical challenges facing education and our students today.”

Keystone’s Center for Education partners with educators, policymakers, communities, and industry leaders as they increasingly focus on the challenge of ensuring all students are prepared for tomorrow’s opportunities, with equitable access to a high-quality education that prepares them for the college or career path of their choice. Its projects address a range of objectives including preparing and supporting the educator workforce, increasing access to high-quality courses and instruction that prepare students for success, supporting development of innovative learning experiences that meet the varied needs of students, and facilitating effective engagement of families and other stakeholders in the education system.