Chief Executive Officer

National Math and Science Initiative

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The roots of the National Math and Science Initiative trace back to the 1990s, when an international group of scientists and engineers were planning a supercollider in North Texas. Local, state, and federal officials anticipated that the professionals headed to the region would expect access to high-quality STEM education for their children. While the supercollider was never built, the idea of identifying and scaling high-quality STEM education programs took off under the leadership of Dallas philanthropist, Peter O’Donnell. The program, AP Strategies, later to become the core of NMSI, was formed to make that happen.

In 2005, the National Academies convened a study, led by Norman Augustine, to investigate why the US was falling behind the rest of the world in STEM education. The resulting report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, which was published in 2007, recommended the national replication of proven programs in STEM education rather than repeatedly funding new and unproven initiatives.

The National Math and Science Initiative was created to implement the Gathering Storm recommendations to replicate these two programs at the national level. This was made possible by a leadership gift of $125 million from ExxonMobil, funding from the O’Donnell Foundation, and the leadership of founding director and Dallas entrepreneur, Tom Luce. A national call for proposals was launched for each program, which was the beginning of a hugely successful initiative to improve STEM education in schools across the country.

Since its formal launch in 2007, NMSI’s focus has evolved from identifying and scaling high-quality STEM programs to delivering and developing comprehensive preK-12+ solutions. Based on a belief that STEM education is the greatest lever to achievement and prosperity and is unmatched in unlocking student potential, NMSI's mission is to advance STEM education to ensure all students, especially those furthest from opportunity, thrive and reach their highest potential as problem solvers and lifelong learners who pursue their passions and tackle the world's toughest challenges.

NMSI has demonstrated extraordinary success in transforming STEM education by expanding access through programs that provide a continuum of training and support. NMSI partners with school systems to identify practices and policies that block students from accessing advanced education. Working at the school-system and individual school levels, the organization facilitates lasting change that is driven by local needs and priorities. NMSI’s proven programs offer an evidence-based approach to help communities transform into STEM centers of equity and excellence for all students.

NMSI has a long history of helping schools increase diversity in advanced courses while maintaining and growing student achievement in those classes. More recently, NMSI has expanded its work to collaborate with community groups and local, state, and federal officials to help breakdown racism and implicit bias in education.

Today, almost two-thirds of all jobs in the US require competency in math and science and post-secondary education. Without a STEM-literate and capable workforce, national security, economic prosperity, and innovation are at risk. By focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, NMSI's programs ensure that students are prepared to tackle societal challenges and pursue meaningful careers to provide economic security for their families and communities. NMSI programs also bring together public and private partners to support proven educational interventions and sustain positive student outcomes within local communities.

As the head of NMSI, the CEO will be responsible for the fiscal and operational health of the organization and for keeping the operations faithful to the organization’s vison, mission, and values. NMSI’s operating budget for fiscal year 2022 is $27 million. The organization employees 83 full-time staff members and 400 part-time staff members.

Nominations, inquiries, and expressions of interest should be sent to nmsi@russellreynolds.com.

National Math + Science Initiative (NMSI) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NMSI complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training