Executive Director of Parents for Public Schools Joins Learning First Alliance Board of Directors

Dr. Catherine Cushinberry brings extensive experience working with nonprofit organizations that support children to new role at LFA 

Washington, D.C. – November 24, 2014 – The Learning First Alliance (LFA), a partnership of leading education organizations representing more than 10 million parents, educators and policymakers, has welcomed  Dr. Catherine Cushinberry, executive director of Parents for Public Schools (PPS), as its newest board member. Passionate about her organization’s commitment to strengthening public education through the engagement, education and mobilization of parents, Dr. Cushinberry joined Parents for Public Schools in October 2014.

“With her extensive background leading organizations that support children, Dr. Cushinberry will be a great asset as an LFA board member,” said Cheryl S. Williams, executive director of the Learning First Alliance. “She, along with our entire board and their respective organizations, are vital to LFA’s ongoing work to promote the success of our nation’s public schools.” 

Prior to joining PPS, Dr. Cushinberry was the director of research for Girls Inc. where she was responsible for program evaluation, measurable outcomes, and secondary data research and analysis. Prior to her role with Girls Inc., she served as executive director of a local Boys and Girls Club and was responsible for managing multiple sites, opening a teen center, and leading fundraising, staff development, marketing, and grant writing efforts. Dr. Cushinberry has also worked with nonprofits such as 4-H, United Way, Cheers to the Designated Driver, and grassroots organizations such as Camp PROMISE and Justice by Uniting in Creative Energy (J.U.I.C.E.). 

In 2004, Dr. Cushinberry began a consulting business in Los Angeles, CA, where she provided services to nonprofit and for-profit organizations in the areas of organizational development and change, evaluation, and staff development and training. 

Dr. Cushinberry serves as adjunct faculty at Union University (TN), Marian University (IN), and Indiana University (IN) and teaches undergraduate and master’s courses in research methods and family studies. She has also taught at California State University, Los Angeles and the University of Missouri-Columbia. 

Dr. Cushinberry received her B.S. degree from Murray State University and M.A. from the University of Memphis, both in communication. In 2004, she received her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia. 

To learn more about the LFA, visit www.learningfirst.org. 

About The Learning First Alliance

The Learning First Alliance is a partnership of leading education organizations with more than 10 million members dedicated to improving student learning in America's public schools. Alliance members include: the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, AASA: The School Superintendents Association,  American Federation of Teachers, American School Counselor Association, International Society for Technology in Education, Learning Forward (formerly National Staff Development Council), National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Education Association, National PTA, National School Boards Association, National School Public Relations Association, Parents for Public Schools and Phi Delta Kappa International. The Alliance maintains www.learningfirst.org, a website that features what’s working in public schools and districts across the country. 

###