Frederick Brown to Become NSDC’s Director of Strategy and Development

Former foundation official, school principal, and school leadership expert will begin new role on January 11

DALLAS–Jan. 8, 2010–To bolster its capacity for further leadership on transforming schools, school leadership, and accelerating systems change, the National Staff Development Council (NSDC) today announced it has hired Frederick Brown, former senior program officer at The Wallace Foundation, to become its new Director of Strategy and Development beginning Jan. 11, 2010.

Bringing a rich background in school leadership and education policy, Brown will assume responsibility for strategic planning and initiatives, school leader programming, new fund and partner development, as well as direct services to NSDC clients and members at the system levels. Brown will relocate to Dallas, where NSDC is headquartered.

A Learning Leader

At the Wallace Foundation, Brown guided the work of several major grantees, including the Southern Regional Education Board, the Institute for Learning at the University of Pittsburgh and the states of Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin, Oregon, Kansas, and New Jersey.

“Frederick’s vast experience and deep commitment to improving education will add tremendous value to NSDC. I look forward to the many ways he will advance NSDC’s efforts to improve professional learning and student achievement,” said Stephanie Hirsh, executive director of NSDC. “Frederick has previous experience with NSDC initiatives that will also serve him well in his new position. He is a graduate of Academy XIV, served as a coach for NSDC’s Philadelphia Academy, and is a former member of the NSDC conference planning committee.

Prior to joining The Wallace Foundation, Brown was Director of the Leadership Academy and Urban Network for Chicago (LAUNCH), an organization whose mission is to identify, train, and support principals for the Chicago Public Schools. In 2005, LAUNCH was highlighted by the U.S. Department of Education as an Innovative Pathway to the Principalship.

Brown’s expertise is grounded in real-world experience. He has been an elementary school teacher and principal as well as a middle school assistant principal. He also served as a founding member of the Mathematics and Equity Teams for Ohio’s Project Discovery, a statewide initiative to improve mathematics and science instruction.

Over the past 10 years, Brown has been a leader in designing and facilitating cutting-edge learning experiences for school and district administrators on topics such as cultural competence, leadership, and professional learning communities.

“I look forward to working with NSDC and doing what I can to enhance the already vast and critical programs it brings to the field,” Brown said. “Professional development is the best and most effective way to spread good ideas and practice for the benefit of all education professionals and ultimately the students they serve.”

Brown holds a B.A. in Elementary and Secondary Mathematics from the University of Toledo and a Masters of Education, Administration and Supervision from Bowling Green State University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Learning Science from Northwestern University.