Today, Envision Education is announcing two changes in its leadership.  First, Dr. Rick Lear, who joined Envision a little over a year ago as the Interim Executive Director of EnvisionLearning Partners, is retiring; his time with ELP has been, as expected, successful, productive, and immensely enjoyable.  It is with the deepest gratitude that we wish him well as he now reaps the rewards of a long career spent helping students and schools continually improve, grow, learn and transform.  Thanks to his leadership and vision, ELP is poised for continued success.  We are also happy and grateful that Rick will continue to work with us as a consultant in the coming year; the organization will continue to benefit from his experience and friendship.

And second, after a thorough and extensive internal and external search for ELP’s next Executive Director, the organization is happy to announce that Ben Kornell, current Chief Operating Officer, has accepted the position; he takes the reigns of ELP as of today.   Ben joined Envision a little over two years ago; as COO, he has been instrumental in shaping Envision‘s strategic plan and restructuring the organization, working closely with both ELP and Envision Schools in the process.  Envision is stronger today because of his energy and efforts.

Envision‘s Board of Directors is enthusiastic about Ben’s selection.  “The board is pleased to have Ben assume leadership of Envision Learning Partners,” said Parker Blackman, Board Chairman.  “He has a proven track record of strong leadership and a keen understanding of what schools need to do to truly serve all students.  The board is looking forward to having him at the helm of ELP and watching him guide our partner schools to ever stronger student outcomes.”

Becoming ELP’s Executive Director is both a step forward for Ben and a return to his roots, as he began his career as a middle school project-based learning teacher in San Jose.  Ben will bring his expertise as an experienced educator and as a business leader to the job of growing ELP’s impact.  Gia Truong, Envision‘s CEO, is excited about this new role for Ben: “With Ben’s talents and experience, as well as his commitment to and passion for equity and deeper learning, I’m sure ELP will impact more students and educators in the years ahead.  And since he’s already an integral part of our organization, we anticipate a smooth transition.”

Ben is eager to step into his new role: “I am thrilled to take on this position for and with Envisionand incredibly grateful to Rick, who has been instrumental in defining and building out the core product of Envision‘s Portfolio Defense system.  With this foundation and a team of all-star project-based learning educators, ELP is poised for growth in service of kids and districts across the country!”

Envision Learning Partners is looking forward to a bright and productive 2016 and beyond, and to sharing the journey with our friends and supporters.  Please join us in wishing Rick Lear the best and in congratulating Ben Kornell on his new role!