Julie Adams
Site Strategist
Strong Start to Finish
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Julie Adams
Site Strategist
Strong Start to Finish
As the Site Strategist for Strong Start to Finish, Julie provides support to higher education systems and institutions implementing developmental education reforms, and identifies opportunities for shared learning across the network. Julie comes with experience in education policy and implementation science research, and has focused much of her work on equitable systems change at the intersection of K-12 and higher education. Julie is dedicated to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for students of color, students from lower-income communities and adults; and is passionate about working alongside educators and students to collaboratively develop solutions.
Victoria Ballerini
Director, Strong Start to Finish
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Victoria Ballerini
Director, Strong Start to Finish
As director of Strong Start to Finish, Victoria works with team members, funders, postsecondary leaders, and a network of thirteen postsecondary organizations to redesign the first year of college. She has over 20 years of experience in higher education policy, practice and research through various roles in government, postsecondary institutions and policy research organizations. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher and Postsecondary Education from New York University. Victoria is dedicated to improving educational and economic opportunities for students who have been historically, and systematically, excluded from unjust systems.
Lauren Bloomquist
Senior Policy Analyst
As a senior policy analyst, Lauren focuses on addressing State Information Requests and assisting the Policy Team with other policy projects. Prior to joining Education Commission of the States, Lauren spent eight years teaching political science courses at the University of Houston and over four years as a program examiner at the Office of Management and Budget in Washington, D.C. Lauren believes that supporting state policy leaders improves educational opportunities for all students.
Maryana Boatenreiter
Communications Manager
As an Editorial Content Strategist, Maryana focuses on developing effective communication strategies to amplify Education Commission of the States’ mission. Prior to joining Education Commission of the States, Maryana completed her master’s in composition and rhetoric while instructing first-year writing courses at the college level; her experiences as a teacher and researcher inspired her passion for supporting equitable and accessible education opportunities for all students. When Maryana is not busy editing and writing, she loves to cook, watch food competition shows and check out local concerts.
Daizha Brown
Policy Analyst
In her role as a policy researcher, Daizha provides relevant information on various education policy topics for state-level education leaders. Prior to joining Education Commission of the States, Daizha completed her bachelor’s degree in political science at Colorado State University where she gained experience in policy research and the nonprofit sector. In her own education journey, Daizha believes in creating equitable education policies to ensure all students in this country have a fair opportunity at pursuing a comprehensive education.
Caitlin Dennis
Events Manager
As the events manager, Caitlin supports the Convene Team in the planning and execution of all events. Prior to joining Education Commission of the States, she worked at the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association for over five years supporting their events and grant work. When Caitlin is not working, she can be found reading, baking or rooting for her beloved Colorado Rockies.
Mitra Chamanbahar
Project Manager
Arts Education Partnership
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Mitra Chamanbahar
Project Manager
Arts Education Partnership
As project manager for the Arts Education Partnership, Mitra collaborates and communicates with the AEP Team and partners to promote high-quality arts education. Prior to joining AEP, Mitra worked as a Colorado licensed visual arts educator in elementary education settings. She is dedicated to critically developing students’ learning opportunities and equitable arts experiences.
Mary Dell'Erba
Assistant Director
As assistant director for the Arts Education Partnership, Mary oversees the development of AEP research, reports and convenings. Prior to joining Education Commission of the States, she worked in state arts education advocacy, leadership development and state government. Mary graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a Master’s in Public Policy and she participated in the 2021-2022 cohort of the D.C. Education Policy Fellowship Program. Her work at the intersection of the arts and education policy is grounded in her lifelong love of dance, music and theatre. Mary can be reached at mdellerba@ecs.org.
Alina DeLuna
Administrative Assistant
As an administrative assistant, Alina is responsible for daily operations and providing project support for the Strong Start to Finish initiative. She brings experience relating to finance, public policy and administration, as well as the implementation of Colorado law and regulation. Alina is dedicated to the mission of Strong Start to Finish and believes that through informed leadership and sustained commitment, we can better serve our communities and contribute to an educational system that provides equal opportunities for all. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, making memories with her family and spending time outdoors.
Chris Duncombe
Principal
Chris focuses on K-12 school finance as a principal at Education Commission of the States. Chris has 10 years of experience working on fiscal policy at the state and local level with a focus on school funding, and his previous research in Virginia informed state policymakers in their design of equity-based school funding. Chris believes in the power of diverse, well-resourced learning environments and the key role school finance plays in setting the stage for student success.
Adrienne Fischer
Senior Policy Analyst
As a senior policy analyst, Adrienne focuses on issues related to early learning. Prior to joining Education Commission of the States, Adrienne covered education policy issues with the National Conference of State Legislatures and earned a master’s degree in public administration. When Adrienne is not hard at work, she can be found enjoying the outdoors or immersed in a good book.
Shannon Fluckey
Design Manager
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Shannon Fluckey
Design Manager
As design manager, Shannon maintains Education Commission of the States’ brand, ensuring integrity and consistency throughout all materials. Prior to joining ECS, Shannon worked in higher education on the Auraria Campus in Denver for 19 years and brings more than 20 years of design experience. Shannon is passionate about helping others.
Our Operations Team members (not listed) — including information technology, human resources and finance experts — are a key part of the success of Education Commission of the States.
