CEI Expands Leadership Team, Prepares to Increase Impact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2017
Contact Information:
Rebecca Holmes
720-502-7400
rholmes@coloradoedinitiative.org

Denver, Colorado – The Colorado Education Initiative (CEI) has appointed two new members to the organization’s leadership team, President and Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Holmes announced this week.

“We are sharpening our focus and readying for a new strategy that will deepen the role we play in accelerating improvement and innovation in Colorado’s schools and districts,” Holmes said.  “CEI is an important change agent, and in this critical moment for Colorado, we are doubling down on talent who can make an outsized impact in the state. I’m excited that our track record and our evolving approach has attracted these seasoned professionals to contribute their leadership expertise to our senior team.”

Elliott Asp – Senior Partner

Elliott Asp will play a lead role in CEI’s delivery of relevant, strategic programming to educators and system leaders in Colorado. His expertise in instruction and assessment will inform CEI’s work to increase the organization’s impact in accelerating improvement and innovation in Colorado’s schools and districts.

“I am honored to join the CEI team,” Asp said. “This organization has done so much for Colorado districts, schools, teachers and kids for the past 10 years, and that is only the beginning. It is a privilege to work with such a talented group of people in the service of school districts across Colorado – I know even greater things are to come.”

Most recently, Asp served as Senior Fellow, Policy and Practice at Achieve Inc. and was responsible for overseeing Achieve’s strategy for helping states develop, enact and sustain college-and career-ready policies and initiatives. Before joining Achieve, Asp served as both Interim Commissioner and Special Assistant to the Commissioner at the Colorado Department of Education.

Asp brings a wealth of education experience to CEI, stemming from a 40-year career of serving students, that began in the classroom, as teacher in traditional and alternative settings. He went on to serve as a curriculum developer, university professor, and administrator at school and district levels, and as assistant superintendent in Douglas County and Cherry Creek school districts, where he focused on curriculum, instruction, assessment and accountability.

Eve Dreher – Vice President, External Affairs

Eve Dreher is a strategic communicator, engagement thought leader and accomplished convener with more than two decades of collective experience leading communications in brand-driven companies. Dreher will arrive at CEI in July, and will oversee communications, development, and events. Her expertise in helping organizations pivot, grow and innovate will contribute to increasing CEI’s reach as the organization enters its second decade of service.

“I’m delighted to join the CEI team and contribute to a 10-year legacy of trusted and productive partnerships with schools and classrooms across Colorado. As a business leader, I have seen how essential it is to prepare our kids for Colorado’s future and CEI plays a key role in making that happen,” Dreher said.

Prior to joining CEI, Dreher was Vice President, Global Communications at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where she aligned strategy and unified teams across four global operating divisions. As the architect of Starwood’s narrative, she promoted the belief that a well-crafted story can shift mindsets and motivate people to act. As a result, the culture was transformed and Starwood became an established leader in hospitality innovation.

Dreher also was Head of Corporate Communications for Coors Brewing Company during a time of dramatic market share growth, managing public relations, media, and internal communication strategy. She served as company spokesperson and strategic counsel for the CEO.

Alex Carter will remain on the senior leadership team at CEI, and transition from his current position of Vice President, External Affairs to a role focused on strengthening the delivery of CEI’s work in schools and districts.

About The Colorado Education Initiative

The Colorado Education Initiative is an independent nonprofit working in partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, educators, schools, districts, and other public education stakeholders to accelerate educational improvement and innovation across Colorado. CEI envisions that every student in Colorado is prepared and unafraid to succeed in school, work, and life, and ready to take on the challenges of today, tomorrow, and beyond.

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