Guest Profile

Jeff Edmondson

Jeff Edmondson is Managing Director of the Strive Network, a national cradle-to-career initiative that brings together leaders in Pre-K-12 schools, higher education, business and industry, community organizations, government leaders, parents and other stakeholders who are committed to helping children succeed from birth through careers.

Edmondson most recently served as executive director of the Strive Partnership in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, a partnership of postsecondary, K-12, business, philanthropic, non-profit, and civic organizations in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky aimed at increasing educational aspirations, achievement, and attainment of students throughout the region.

The Strive Network was formed using lessons learned from the development of the partnership, and are currently being applied in cities across the country through a collaborative relationship with Living Cities and the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities to help ensure resources in these regions are efficiently and effectively supporting the success of every child.

He also served as the foundation officer for KnowledgeWorks Foundation. In this role, Edmondson was responsible for assisting the President & CEO by leading and providing support for priority initiatives, communicating on the vision and strategies of the Foundation locally and nationally, and managing the relationship with the Board of Directors.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Edmondson served as a Program Assistant at the 21st Century School Fund where he conducted research, published papers, and wrote legislation on local and national policy issues related to school facilities. Edmondson also worked as the Peaceable Schools Coordinator at Woodrow Wilson Senior High School, the largest public secondary school in Washington, D.C. In this role he was an advocate for teachers and students in the school; built partnerships between the school, organizations and businesses in the community to improve student outcomes; and trained students and staff in mediation and other alternative conflict resolution techniques.

Edmondson has a bachelors of science in biology from the University of Richmond and a masters in public policy from Johns Hopkins University. In addition, he served as a volunteer and supervisor for three years in Peace Corps Gabon, Central Africa.