The Hunt Institute Expands Local Leadership Network with Second Hunt-Lee Mayors Leadership Cohort

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2026
Dr. Javaid Siddiqi
Javaid.Siddiqi@hunt-institute.org

20 Mayors and City Leaders from Across the Country Selected for Bipartisan Fellowship Focused on Local Education Leadership 

CARY, N.C. – The Hunt Institute, a national education policy nonprofit affiliated with Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, announced today 20 mayors and city leaders selected for the second cohort of the Hunt-Lee Mayors Leadership Fellows, expanding the Institute’s proven fellowship model to equip local elected leaders with the knowledge, relationships, and tools to strengthen education and workforce pathways in their communities. 

Named for renowned education governor Jim Hunt (D-NC | 1977–2985; 1993–2001) and Senator Howard Lee | Mayor of Chapel Hill (1969–1975); North Carolina Senate, District 16 (1991–1995) and (1997–2003) the national, nonpartisan Fellowship launched in the fall of 2025. 

Building on the program’s inaugural cohort, the second cohort brings together bipartisan city leaders from across the country who are committed to examining how mayors can use their unique role as conveners, partners, and community leaders to support students, educators, families, and local economies.  

“Education is a local issue, and mayors are uniquely positioned to create meaningful impact in their communities,” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute. “That’s why we believe so strongly in the role of local leaders in this work. I look forward to this exceptional group of mayors and city leaders and seeing the ideas, partnerships, and solutions they bring back to their cities.” 

The second cohort includes mayors and city leaders representing communities across the country, bringing together perspectives from Democratic, Republican, and nonpartisan local officials. Over the course of the Fellowship program, these leaders will examine issues across the education continuum, from early childhood and K–12 education to postsecondary attainment and workforce development.  

The Fellowship will be anchored by two in-person convenings, beginning October 15–16, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, hosted by Mayor Quinton Lucas (D-MO), followed by a second convening on May 20-21, 2027, in Pensacola, Florida, hosted by Mayor D.C. Reeves (R-FL). Fellows will also participate in virtual learning sessions between convenings. 

“I am honored to host the Hunt-Lee Mayors Leadership Fellows in Kansas City and to welcome local leaders from across the country to our city,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas (D- Kansas City, MO). “I’m grateful to The Hunt Institute for bringing mayors together to learn from one another and explore how cities can play a meaningful role in strengthening education and creating greater opportunities for all students and families.” 

The bipartisan Hunt-Lee Mayors Leadership program will:   

• Examine how mayors and city leaders can help strengthen education and economic opportunity in their communities; 

• Address issues including early childhood and child care, zoning and housing policies that affect early learning access, afterschool programs, K–12 accountability and addressing achievement gaps, school choice, postsecondary attainment, workforce development, and partnerships with employers and community organizations; and 

• Explore how mayors and city leaders can use their unique role as conveners to bring together schools, families, businesses, and other community partners to advance solutions in their cities. 

“The work of preparing our children for success does not stop at the schoolhouse door. It takes the entire community,” said Mayor D.C. Reeves (R- Pensacola, FL). “I am thankful to join this cohort and to serve as a host city for the Hunt-Lee Mayors Leadership Fellows. I’m grateful to The Hunt Institute for recognizing the important role mayors can play in this work and for creating a space where local leaders can turn ideas into action for the children and families we serve.” 

The 2026-2027 Hunt-Lee Mayors Leadership Fellows – Cohort 2 

• The Honorable Danny Avula, Mayor, Richmond, Virginia (D)  

• The Honorable Lacey Beaty, Mayor, Beaverton, Oregon (D)  

• The Honorable Eric Dinowitz, Councilmember, New York City, New York (D)  

• The Honorable Will Joyce, Mayor, Stillwater, Oklahoma (NP)  

• The Honorable Sam Johnson, Councilmember, Columbia, South Carolina (D)  

• The Honorable Quinton Lucas, Mayor, Kansas City, Missouri (D)  

• The Honorable Steve Morris, Mayor, Concord, North Carolina (R)  

• The Honorable Ronald Morell Jr., Mayor, Marion, Indiana (R)  

• The Honorable Oepke “Ope” Niemeyer, Mayor, Brookings, South Dakota (NP)  

• The Honorable Rachel Proctor, Mayor, DeSoto, Texas (NP)  

• The Honorable D.C. Reeves, Mayor, Pensacola, Florida (R)  

• The Honorable Maria Rivera, Mayor, Central Falls, Rhode Island (D)  

• The Honorable Robert Simison, Mayor, Meridian, Idaho (R)  

• The Honorable Derek Slaughter, Mayor, Williamsport, Pennsylvania (D)  

• The Honorable James Solomon, Mayor, Jersey City, New Jersey (D)  

• The Honorable Sal Solorio-Ruiz, Mayor, Delano, California (D)  

• The Honorable Molly Spino, Mayor, Torrington, Connecticut (R)  

• The Honorable Randall Woodfin, Mayor, Birmingham, Alabama (D)  

• The Honorable Matt Westmoreland, Councilmember, Atlanta, Georgia (D)  

• The Honorable Luci Willits, Councilmember, Boise, Idaho (R)  

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About The Hunt Institute
The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of the Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, is a recognized leader in the movement to transform public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since its establishment in 2001, The Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. For more information, please visit: www.hunt-institute.org