ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 25, 2015) — National PTA® is pleased to announce that Nathan R. Monell, CAE has been named the association’s new executive director. Monell brings more than 20 years of experience leading nonprofits and associations, having most recently served as the president and CEO of the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships, the advocacy, technical assistance and training organization for the federal GEAR UP program (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs). GEAR UP is a $300 million program of the U.S. Department of Education that serves some 600,000 students from low-income communities by helping them enroll and succeed in postsecondary institutions. Prior to this position, Monell was president and CEO of Foster Care Alumni of America, a national advocacy association of adults who were in the foster care system as children.
“Nathan is an exceptional and strategic executive with expertise in education and advocacy as well as a passion for ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA. “We are proud to name Nathan our new executive director. His leadership, passion and expertise will be tremendous assets to National PTA and our members, partners and sponsors as we work together to support and take action for children and families across the country.”
Monell holds an M.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Michigan with a focus on organizational communication and behavior. He earned his B.A. in Speech from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich. He is a 2002 graduate of the Georgetown University Center for Professional Development’s Nonprofit Management Certification Program and received his Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives in 2009.
“I am very pleased to be joining National PTA at this important moment in time,” said Monell. “National PTA’s leadership is needed more than ever to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education. I whole-heartedly embrace the association’s rich history and mission, and I look forward to working with the membership, local and state PTAs, Board of Directors and staff to build on the successes of the past and design a future that is relevant to the needs of all of our nation’s students and families.”
Monell will join National PTA in May 2015, just prior to the association’s 2015 Annual Convention and Exhibition, which will be held June 25-29, 2015 at the Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C.
Joanne E. Dunne, CAE has been serving as interim executive director of National PTA while the search was conducted for a new executive director. Dunne has led the association since January 2014.
“Joanne has served exceptionally well as interim executive director of National PTA,” Thornton said. “She has led with distinction and has been a great strategic and operational change agent in guiding the association through the process of revising its bylaws, implementing best business practices and generating a significant increase in non-dues revenue. Her contributions will benefit the association for decades to come.”
As the oldest and largest volunteer child advocacy association in the nation, National PTA is the conscience of the country for children issues. Through advocacy, as well as family and community education, National PTA has established programs and called for legislation that improves children’s lives, such as:
- Early childhood education
- Health and wellness programs
- Family engagement
- School safety
- Juvenile justice
- Arts in education
For more information about National PTA and its programs and initiatives, visit PTA.org.
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth.