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Leadership & Governance

The people leading EEC forward.

Our executive team and Board of Directors bring decades of combined experience in education, community leadership, finance, and philanthropy — united by a single mission: every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Executive Team

Leadership Team

Day-to-day leadership of programs, operations, and strategy.

Dr. Michelle A. Carter — Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Michelle A. Carter

A veteran educator with 25+ years leading schools and community programs, Dr. Carter founded EEC to close persistent opportunity gaps for children in historically underserved communities. Ed.D., Educational Leadership.

Marcus J. Hollins — Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer

Marcus J. Hollins

Marcus oversees operations, finance, and program delivery across every EEC site. Previously a district-level operations director, he brings a systems mindset and a deep commitment to evidence-based practice.

Jasmine T. Rivers — Chief Program Officer
Chief Program Officer

Jasmine T. Rivers

Jasmine leads curriculum design, instructional quality, and program evaluation. Former classroom teacher and instructional coach, she ensures every child receives rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive learning.

Governance

Board of Directors

Volunteer directors who set strategy, ensure accountability, and steward EEC's mission.

Rev. Dr. Anthony Whitfield — Board Chair
Board Chair

Rev. Dr. Anthony Whitfield

Pastor, civic leader, and long-time advocate for youth development. Serves on multiple community foundation boards and chairs EEC's Governance Committee.

Dr. Ayana Brooks — Vice Chair & Treasurer
Vice Chair & Treasurer

Dr. Ayana Brooks

CPA and former Fortune 500 finance executive. Chairs EEC's Finance & Audit Committee and ensures the highest standards of fiscal transparency and stewardship.

James O. Bennett, Esq. — Secretary
Secretary

James O. Bennett, Esq.

Partner at a national law firm specializing in nonprofit governance and education policy. Ensures compliance and supports strategic partnerships.

Dr. Michelle A. Carter — Ex-Officio Board Member
Ex-Officio Board Member

Dr. Michelle A. Carter

Founder & CEO of EEC. Serves ex-officio, providing organizational context and connection between board strategy and program execution.

Nia Coleman-Grant — Board Member — Programs Committee
Board Member — Programs Committee

Nia Coleman-Grant

District superintendent and lifelong educator. Advises on curriculum alignment, school partnerships, and family engagement strategy.

Terrence Blake — Board Member — Development Committee
Board Member — Development Committee

Terrence Blake

Corporate philanthropy leader with two decades of experience building signature partnerships between Fortune 500 companies and community nonprofits.

Independent Board

A majority-independent board with rotating terms and standing committees for Finance, Governance, Programs, and Development.

Financial Transparency

Annual audit by an independent CPA firm. IRS Form 990 and audited financials published each year.

Community Voice

Board membership intentionally reflects the families and communities we serve, with parent and youth advisory councils informing strategy.

Join the movement

Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their potential.

Partner, sponsor, volunteer, or give — together we transform lives through education.