Vicki Phillips

Vicki Phillips has extensive experience in the field of education and leadership. Vicki is currently the Chief Executive Officer at the National Center on Education and the Economy. Prior to this, they founded drvickip, LLC in 2016, where they provided executive leadership and strategic guidance to organizations and ed-tech companies focused on improving teaching, learning, and equity in education.

From 2019 to 2022, Vicki served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Education Officer at National Geographic, where they played a crucial role in advancing educational initiatives. Before joining National Geographic, they held the position of Director of Education - College Ready at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation from 2007 to 2015. In this role, they developed evidence-based strategies to improve public education and oversaw a substantial investment in K-12 education in the United States.

Vicki's career also includes significant leadership roles in various educational institutions and organizations. Vicki served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Portland Public Schools from 2004 to 2007, where they implemented reforms to improve student achievement and address budget deficits. Prior to this, they were the Secretary of Education/Chief State School Officer for the Pennsylvania State Department of Education from 2003 to 2004, where they implemented innovative policies to boost student achievement and improve the state's education system.

Earlier in their career, Vicki served as the Superintendent of Schools for the School District Of Lancaster from 1998 to 2003. Vicki also held positions at the Greater Philadelpha First and the National Center on Education and the Economy, where they played integral roles in education reform initiatives.

Vicki's career began in 1986 as a Senior Executive at the Kentucky Department of Education, where they gained valuable experience in education policy and administration. Overall, Vicki's work experience demonstrates their strong dedication to improving education, fostering equity, and enhancing teaching and learning opportunities for students and educators.

Vicki Phillips holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree with a focus on International Leadership, Educational Leadership, and Management from the University of Lincoln. Vicki also earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in School Psychology and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Western Kentucky University. Later on, they were awarded honorary doctorates, including a Doctor of Humane Letters from Misericordia University, a Doctor of Education from the University of Lincoln, and a Doctor of Public Service from Western Kentucky University.