The Leadership Academy names leaders in education and communications to Board of Directors

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The Leadership Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of two leaders in education and communications to its Board of Directors. The Hunt Institute CEO Dr. Javaid Siddiqi and SoftBank Group Head of Communications Mark Kornblau join The Leadership Academy’s board in its mission to improve outcomes for all students, particularly those in minoritized communities, through culturally responsive leadership. Meet the full Leadership Academy Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome these important leaders to The Leadership Academy’s Board of Directors,” said The Leadership Academy Board Chair Jonathan Moses. “Their diverse experiences and expertise, and their dedication to educational equity and excellence, will support our mission in helping school leaders serve young people across the country.”

Said The Leadership Academy President & CEO Nancy Gutiérrez, “We are fortunate as an organization to have such a dedicated, committed, and actively involved Board of Directors. Javaid and Mark’s expertise will enhance our work and push us to the next level. I look forward to their partnership.”

Former Virginia Secretary of Education Dr. Javaid Siddiqi is President & CEO of The Hunt Institute, a nonprofit organization that provides research, technical expertise, and learning opportunities to drive equitable reforms. Dr. Siddiqi guides The Hunt Institute’s strategic vision and develops relationships with partners and funders across the nation. He works with senior-level elected officials across the political aisle to help design strategy, shape policy, and drive educational improvements on the national and state levels. Dr. Siddiqi began his career as a high school teacher, assistant principal, and principal in Chesterfield, Virginia. As Virginia Secretary of Education, Dr. Siddiqi helped develop and implement policy and provided guidance to public universities, the Virginia Community College System, higher education and research centers, and state-supported museums. Prior to his appointment, he served as deputy secretary of education where he focused his efforts on teacher quality and improving educational outcomes for all students. Dr. Siddiqi is a graduate of Richard Bland College, Virginia State University, and Virginia Commonwealth University where he received both his undergraduate degree and doctorate in educational leadership.

“I am excited to be joining The Leadership Academy Board of Directors,” said Dr. Siddiqi. “I look forward to working alongside The Leadership Academy Board Members to help continue to build the capacity of educational leaders with hopes of addressing systemic inequalities to ensure children of every race and ethnicity have what they need to find success.”

Mark Kornblau is Managing Partner, Global Head of Communications for Softbank Group, one of the world’s largest technology investment firms. In this role, Kornblau leads communications and brand strategy across SoftBank, and partners with its 450+ portfolio companies. Previously, Kornblau was Executive Vice President of Communications for NBCUniversal News Group, where he oversaw communications for an award-winning portfolio of news brands including NBC News, MSNBC, TODAY, Nightly News, Meet the Press, and all related digital properties. Kornblau has also served as Managing Director of Corporate Communications for JP Morgan Chase, Head of Public Affairs and Spokesman for the U.S. at the United Nations during the Obama Administration, working for U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice. Kornblau has held senior communications roles on two U.S. presidential campaigns, on Capitol Hill and on U.S. House and Senate campaigns. He received his B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“The Leadership Academy is shaping the most impactful group of civic and community leaders in our society,” said Kornblau. “I’ve admired the group’s work for years. I’m honored to have the opportunity to contribute to their work of bringing greater opportunities to students of all backgrounds.”