The Churn

Dr. Zoë Stemm-Calderon, senior director of youth serving systems at the Raikes Foundation, will serve as executive director starting in January 2026.

Lesley Searcy, chief growth officer at Step Up for Students, will join Children’s Scholarship Fund as vice president, head of federal scholarship tax credit in January 2026.

Courtney Lundquist, former program officer at Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, will join The Joyce Foundation as a program officer in January 2026.

Abigail Rhim, former policy analyst at the National Governor’s Association, is now a manager at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Kathy Chow, executive director at the Education Writers Association, has stepped down from her position and will be leaving in January 2026. Debbie Veney, board of directors vice president at the organization, will serve as interim executive director.

Elisa Villanueva Beard, former chief executive officer at Teach for America, will become president and chief executive officer of the Houston Endowment in March 2026.

Asher Lehrer-Small, former education reporter at Houston Landing, is now an associate reporter at the New York Times investigating police and security in Texas schools.

Clarence Wardell III, previously deputy director of economic mobility and opportunity at the Gates Foundation, is now vice president of programs at NextLadder Ventures.