Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
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Janice K. Jackson Named Executive Director of Aspen Institute’s Education & Society Program

Washington, DC,  July 15, 2025 — The Center for Rising Generations at the Aspen Institute is proud to announce that Dr. Janice K. Jackson, nationally recognized education leader and former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, has been named the new Executive Director of its Education & Society Program (ESP). In this role, Dr. Jackson will report to Kaya Henderson, Executive Vice President and Executive Director of the Center for Rising Generations, and will lead the Education & Society Program into a new chapter, focused on driving the national education conversation and reimagining the student experience across the country.

The Education & Society Program is dedicated to improving public education outcomes by informing, influencing, and inspiring education leaders, with a clear focus on achieving success for all students. Its work brings together system leaders, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to frame critical issues, foster dialogue, and build the leadership capacity required for transformative change.

As Executive Director, Dr. Jackson will draw on her deep experience as a practitioner and systems leader to set the strategic vision and direction for the program, strengthening its role as a trusted convener, thought leader, and catalyst for bold leadership in public education. In this expanded role, she will build on the program’s legacy of impact while launching new efforts to elevate the voices of students, families, and educators in shaping education policy, and lead bold initiatives to promote opportunity and excellence in education across the country.

“We are thrilled to welcome Janice to lead this next chapter of the Education & Society Program,” said Kaya Henderson, Executive Vice President and Executive Director of the Center for Rising Generations. “Leading this program is not for the faint of heart. It requires someone bold, experienced, and with a demonstrated track record of impact. Her visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to young people, and proven ability to drive systems-level change make her the ideal person to lead the Education & Society Program into its next chapter. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Janice to our team.”

Dr. Jackson will chart new pathways for influence, innovation, and impact, with one of her first major projects being the launch and leadership of the Education Strategy Group, a new cross-sector commission designed to elevate the national conversation around what students truly need to thrive. This group will bring together a diverse coalition of education leaders, community voices, and policymakers to explore the future of student experience and outcomes.

Dr. Jackson previously served as CEO of Chicago Public Schools, where she championed equity-driven reforms and expanded opportunities for more than 300,000 students. Under her leadership, the district saw record-high graduation and college enrollment rates, as well as national recognition for its progress. She most recently served as CEO of Hope Chicago, a nonprofit that provides scholarships and wraparound support for students and their families. 

“I have dedicated my career to ensuring every young person has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for a bright future,” said Dr. Jackson. “I’m honored to join the Center for Rising Generations at the Aspen Institute at this critical moment and I look forward to building on the Education & Society Program’s legacy while charting a new vision for education in our country. Together, we will center the voices of those closest to the work, most importantly, students, families, and educators, and push for the bold ideas our system needs now.”

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About the Education & Society Program

One of the policy programs of the Center for Rising Generations at the Aspen Institute, the Education & Society Program improves public education by inspiring, informing, and influencing education leaders across policy and practices, with an emphasis on achieving excellence for all students. For more information about the Education & Society program, visit https://income-lifter.live/programs/education-and-society-program/%3C/a%3E.%C2%A0%3C/p%3E

About the Center for Rising Generations at the Aspen Institute

The Center for Rising Generations (CRG) is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders through civil dialogue, civic engagement, and leadership development. CRG amplifies the voices of young people and supports them with the tools, resources, and networks to lead change on their own terms. To learn more about the Center for Rising Generations and to get involved, visit www.risinggenerations.org.

About the Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org. 

CONTACT:
Maura Daley
External Affairs Director
Aspen Institute
maura.daley@aspeninstitute.org