Greg retired from Scholastic Incorporated as President: Scholastic Education in December 2021 after 30 years of successful leadership within that organization. Over the course of his career, Greg has been recognized as a constant advocate for empowering educators and offering reading access to students of all backgrounds. He was responsible for the expansion of Scholastic’s outreach to educational institutions, community-based organizations, and leaders across private and public sectors. Notably, Greg was responsible for Scholastic Family and Community Engagement (FACE), dedicated to creating programs and partnerships that support literacy development in classrooms, at home, in early childhood and after-school settings, during the summer, and through mentoring programs. He is also a co-founder of the Yale / Scholastic Collaborative for Child & Family Resilience and still serves as co-chair of their advisory board. Greg is the recipient of numerous awards, including recognition by City & State of NY magazine as one of New York’s Responsible 100 leaders for Excellence in Education and the Upton Sinclair Award, which recognizes educational leaders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, ensuring that children around the globe succeed. In 2022, Greg received an award from NYC Outward Bound Schools for his “exemplary leadership and inspiring commitment to education.” Greg currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, the board of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, and the board of the Mission Society of New York City, one of New York’s oldest and foundational non-profit organizations focused on ending multi-generational poverty.

Starting as a classroom teacher, filled with a passion and commitment to advancing all children, Frances embarked upon her career in the Mount Vernon City School District. After 12 successful years teaching in the elementary grades, she transitioned and broadened her classroom experience, becoming a health instructor to middle school students. Moving into school leadership three years later as an Assistant Principal for Administration & Student Affairs at the Mount Vernon High School, she was able to cultivate partnerships and develop multiple programs that were satisfying to both civic and family needs -- among them, a Community Partnership Program with a national grocery chain, an International Study Abroad Program, and an Alumni Sharing Program. In 2003 Frances was appointed Principal of Nellie A. Thornton Elementary School and two years later, transitioned to become Principal of the Grimes Elementary School. She served in this latter position for twelve years, committing her full energy to lighting the path towards success for her students, faculty, staff, and school community. In this role, Frances developed and oversaw several uniquely innovative programs including partnerships with the Metropolitan Opera Guild; the Grimes Parent University; Junior Achievement USA; the Greater Hudson Valley Links; and a program focused on Chinese language and culture. Frances has been an Adjunct Professor in Educational Leadership Development at both Fordham University and Mercy University . She has also served as an Educational Consultant to the Bronx Charter School for the Arts. She was recognized by the 2005 NYS Conference of Black Senators and is the recipient of numerous awards including the 2008 NYS Living the Legacy Harriet Tubman Award; 2011 New York State Senate Women of Distinction Award and 2015 Mercy College Phi Delta Kappa Educational Leadership Award. Frances has also served her community on the boards of the Neuberger Museum of Art, Mt. Vernon Day Care Center, Mt. Vernon Montefiore Community Advisory board and the Mt. Vernon Youth Bureau.

Dr. Jonathan Brown wears many hats in the world of education, currently serving as both Chief Academic Officer at Catalyst Education and Principal of Longstreth School in Southwest Philadelphia. His passion for educational excellence shines through his impressive track record of achievement. Previously, Dr. Brown held the position of Assistant Superintendent for Learning Network 13 in the Philadelphia School District. There, he oversaw 12 high schools and nearly 8,000 students. His focus on boosting student engagement and literacy leadership yielded remarkable results: two Lindback-winning principals, one Neubauer Fellow, and seven Lindback-winning teachers emerged from his network. Even more impressive, Learning Network 13 saw the city's most significant gains in literacy on the Keystone exams, with six schools earning the highest "Well Above Expected Growth" rating. Dr. Brown's dedication to education extends beyond Philadelphia. He spent over 20 years serving students in New York, most recently as Deputy Superintendent in the Arlington Central School District. In this role, he spearheaded the district's curriculum, instruction, and assessment, along with equity initiatives, accountability measures, and professional development programs. A lifelong learner himself, Dr. Brown has held instructional positions at prestigious institutions like Manhattanville College, Fordham University, and St. John Fisher College. He currently teaches at Bank Street College. Dr. Brown's journey in education began as Head Baseball Coach at his alma mater, The Lincoln University, where he was a two-year team captain and earned his Bachelor's degree in Chinese. He later pursued advanced degrees, earning an Ed.D. in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University and an M.S. in Educational Leadership from the College of New Rochelle. Additionally, he holds a professional certification in School District Leadership from the College of St. Rose. Dr. Jonathan Brown's career exemplifies an unwavering commitment to educational excellence. His leadership has empowered educators, inspired students, and demonstrably improved learning outcomes across diverse communities.