Libby Gandy is a skilled educator with extensive experience helping students improve their academic performance. For the past seven years, she served as the Director of Academic Intervention Services with the Rochester City School District where she developed and implemented extended learning programs for students in grades Pre-K – 12. Program successes included significant increases in reading and math scores, as well as an increase in student participation that nearly quadrupled in a 4-year period. Prior to her tenure as an administrator, Libby was a reading specialist, teaching students in grades 6-8. As an Instructor at SUNY Brockport, she worked with EOP students in need of reading support. In addition, Libby was a pre-service instructor at SUNY Brockport and Nazareth College and supervised student teachers in their field placement. Libby received her Masters in Reading Education from Nazareth College in 1988.

Libby can be reached at (585) 355-4305 Ext. 204 or by email at egandy@gps.us.com.

Eliza Holcomb has a distinguished career in human resources. For the last seven years, she has been Senior Search Consultant for the Connecticut Association for Boards of Education (CABE), where she recruited superintendents and other key administrators for urban and suburban schools. Before joining, CABE, Eliza’s tenure with Universal Studios began when she served as Employment Manager at MCA/Universal City Studios. She then was appointed Chief of Human Resources Executive for Universal Studios where she managed a department of more than 40 employees and directed the Managers of Employment, Benefits and Training and Development for Universals’ Orlando, Florida theme park. Prior to joining Universal, Eliza was an Employment Recruiter at CBS, Inc. Her professional affiliations include her role as President-elect of the National Association of Superintendent Searchers. Eliza received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

Eliza can be reached at (212) 644-8619 Ext. 101 or by email at eholcomb@gps.us.com.

Marlaina Palmeri has more than 37 years experience as an award-winning educator. She has been recognized for her innovative methodologies to improve school performance, particularly in high poverty schools. Marlaina’s efforts in Rochester, New York, led to her school receiving the National Title 1 Distinguished School of Mastery Award, and she was named Distinguished Educator of the Year by the New York State Education Department. At Edison Learning, Marlaina gained a reputation as a leading authority on successful charter schools, and she was responsible for the oversight and management of school achievement, hiring, supervision, operations, fiscal management, and client relationship. She received her Bachelors and Masters degree from SUNY and her doctoral degree from the University of Rochester. Marlaina also studied abroad as a guest educator in England, Denmark, Sweden and Russia.

Marlaina can be reached at (585) 355-4305 or by email at mpalmeri@gps.us.com.

Dr. Ana Tilton’s career as a leader in public education spans over 35 years. With a consistent focus on raising student achievement, particularly among children in poverty and English language learners, Dr. Tilton has served as a teacher, school administrator, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. She brings passion for all students, a deep set of experiences, a drive for reform, and the ability to lead a complex organization. Dr. Tilton served as an Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent in California after which she consulted with districts focusing on high school reforms and the establishment of new schools. Most recently she served as the Chief Academic Officer of the Denver Public Schools. Dr. Tilton previous roles included Senior Vice President at New American Schools, Partner at the NewSchools Venture Fund, and Chief Program Officer of the Texas High School Project.

Ana can be reached at (212) 644-8619 Ext. 302 or by email at atilton@gps.us.com.