Under Chick’s leadership, the Alliance reimagined its mission, deepened its impact, and championed racial equity and educational justice in Seattle Public Schools.
After more than eight years of dedicated and transformative leadership, Lisa Chick has made the decision to conclude her tenure as President of the Alliance for Education. Since stepping into the role in October 2016, Chick has strengthened the Alliance’s operations, deepened its impact, and expanded its partnerships evolving the organization into a more equity-focused, collaborative, and community-centered institution.
Under her leadership, the Alliance is now significantly stronger, more stable, and better positioned to continue advancing its mission. In 2018, Chick led a strategic planning process that refined the Alliance’s mission to focus explicitly on advancing racial equity and educational justice in Seattle Public Schools. That clarity of purpose laid the foundation to create and sustain several high-impact initiatives, including:
- The Right Now Needs Fund, a resource which supports students in all 104 SPS schools by removing barriers to learning caused by unmet basic needs.
- The Seattle Teacher Residency, which has trained and placed more than 265 effective, equity-driven educators committed to working in Seattle schools most impacted by poverty.
- A $4M+ pooled fund of philanthropic investments launching the district’s first ever Office of African American Male Achievement.
- Critical response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping partners informed about student need, and helping students access technology, meals, and learning resources.
- Resources to expand SPS’ research and analysis work, including nearly $1M to support the district’s goal of designing data-informed and equity-centered strategy.
The Alliance for Education Board of Directors and community partners extend their deepest gratitude to Chick for her outstanding leadership, service and unwavering commitment to educational justice in Seattle.
“Lisa has been an extraordinary leader. Her vision and dedication have expanded opportunities for students, strengthened partnerships, and made a lasting impact on Seattle’s education landscape,” said Grace Fosado, Board Chair at the Alliance for Education. “Her legacy will continue to positively impact our schools, educators and students for years to come. On behalf of the Board, we extend our deepest gratitude for her years of service and leadership.”
“Lisa’s leadership has been a transformative force for Seattle students,” said Dr. Dwane Chappelle, Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) for the City of Seattle. “Her deep, personal commitment to equity and justice has not only shaped the Alliance for Education but has also strengthened our shared mission of ensuring every student in our city has the opportunity to succeed. It has been an honor to serve alongside her.”
“Lisa has been an invaluable partner in the work of making Seattle’s schools more equitable and centered around students furthest from educational justice. From launching the Right Now Needs Fund to supporting the creation of the Office of African American Male Achievement, she has helped turn bold ideas into real, tangible support for our students and educators,” reflected Dr. Brent Jones, Superintendent at Seattle Public Schools. “Her leadership helped strengthen the partnership between Seattle Public Schools and the Alliance for Education, and her presence and contributions have made a lasting impact on our community. I know I speak for many when I express my deep gratitude for her commitment to our schools and to our students.”
The Alliance remains a strong and steady partner to Seattle Public Schools and the broader community. This moment represents an exciting next chapter for both Chick and the organization she has so capably led.
Chick will continue to serve as President through May 31, 2025, after which she will transition into a Special Advisor role to support a smooth and thoughtful handoff of responsibilities. Effective June 1, Roxanne Christian, the Alliance for Education’s Vice President of Advancement, will assume the role of Interim President, ensuring stability and continuity during the leadership transition. Chick’s final day with the Alliance will be July 18.
“We are fortunate to have an experienced and effective leader in Roxanne to help guide the Alliance through this transition,” added Fosado. “Her deep experience, energy and steady leadership will ensure a seamless handoff and continued momentum for the organization.”
Christian will continue in the Interim President role until a new President is selected and onboarded. Christian has led the organization’s Advancement work and played a central leadership role at the Alliance since December of 2019.
The Alliance for Education Board of Directors, in collaboration with human resource partners at the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, will lead the search for the organization’s next permanent President.
Voices of Support from Community Leaders
“As a founding board member and past Chair of the Alliance and a longtime advocate for public education, I have had the privilege of witnessing Lisa’s leadership firsthand,” said Jon Bridge, Chairman/Counsel Emeritus of Ben Bridge Jeweler and Pearl Gala Co-Chair at the Alliance for Education. “Her ability to bring people together across sectors, foster support for the district, and drive meaningful change has strengthened the Alliance’s mission and expanded opportunities for future generations.”
“Lisa’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing educational equity in our Southeast Seattle community. Her dedication and collaborative vision have strengthened partnerships and uplifted voices that are too often unheard,” said Liz Huizar, Executive Director at Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (SESEC). “While we will miss her in this role, we are grateful for her lasting impact and look forward to continuing this critical work together.”
“Lisa has been a steadfast champion for Seattle’s students. Her leadership at the Alliance for Education has advanced efforts like the Right Now Needs Fund and the Office of African American Male Achievement to ensure that every child—especially those from Black, brown and historically underserved communities—has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Michelle Merriweather, President & CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. “At the Urban League, we share this commitment to uplifting the next generation, and we are grateful for Lisa’s collaboration in this work. Her impact will continue to be felt in classrooms and communities for years to come.”
“Lisa’s leadership has been pivotal in strengthening the Alliance for Education’s partnership with the University of Washington College of Education, particularly through the Seattle Teacher Residency program,” said Dr. Mia Tuan, Dean of University of Washington College of Education. “Her commitment to supporting aspiring educators and ensuring our schools have diverse, well-prepared teachers has made a lasting impact on students and communities across Seattle. We are grateful for her vision, collaboration, and dedication to educational justice, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.”
About the Alliance for Education
For 30 years, the Alliance for Education has worked in partnership with Seattle Public Schools to address crucial challenges facing Seattle students, families and educators. Our mission is to support excellence in education by advancing educational justice and racial equity for students in Seattle Public Schools. Our work is collaborative as we seek to address systemic inequities in public schools and create a more equitable and just education system that allows all Seattle students to thrive.