Taylor is a nationally recognized leader in philanthropy who throughout his career has worked to improve educational outcomes and to ensure that all children receive a high quality education.
For Immediate Release
5/17/11
FOUNDATION FOR NEWARK’S FUTURE NAMES GREGORY TAYLOR AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Taylor Brings Extensive Philanthropic Experience in Urban Communities to the Foundation for Newark’s Future; Background as Community Organizer and Advocate for Underserved Youth
May 17, 2011 (Newark, NJ) – Gregory Taylor, a nationally recognized leader in philanthropy and education reform, and a former community advocate for underserved youth, has been named the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Newark’s Future, the Foundation announced today. Taylor will begin work at the Foundation on June 13th.
Taylor will join FNF after eight years of service at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation where he led the organization’s Education and Learning and Family Economic Security portfolios. In his role, Taylor has worked with dozens of communities and states to launch innovative education programs in the areas of early childhood education, teacher quality, parent and family engagement, curricula and data, creating work place options for out-of-school youth, and building more racially equitable and civically engaged communities.
“Greg Taylor has extensive experience in both education grantmaking and community-level advocacy, and that knowledge and expertise will be invaluable as he leads the Foundation for Newark’s Future,” said Paul Bernstein, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “The Board is excited to have Greg joining the Foundation as President and CEO, and we look forward to him leading our efforts to help provide every Newark student with a high quality education.”
“Newark has a tremendous opportunity today to pursue reform that will ensure the interest of all of Newark’s children are served. I am thrilled to have the chance to work with local and national leaders and the Newark community to be a part of this effort,” said Taylor. “Over the last 15 years, I’ve worked across the nation to improve educational outcomes, and I’m looking forward to helping improve Newark’s public schools so that that every child in the city receives the high-quality education they deserve.”
One of Taylor’s biggest successes at the Kellogg Foundation was serving as the National Director of the SPARK Initiative. SPARK, which stands for Supporting Partnership to Assure Ready Kids, focuses on preparing young children to enter school ready to learn and currently works in eight states and twenty communities to build the capacity and impact of local early childhood education programs. To date the program has impacted 8,000 at-risk children between ages 3-8, and children that have participated in the program have shown demonstrated progress in both reading and math assessments.
“Greg Taylor will be a champion for our children and our community,” said Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who is a member of the Foundation’s Board. “Greg’s more than 15 years of experience leading and developing programs to empower and educate our nation’s underserved urban youth will be essential to our ongoing efforts to transform Newark’s schools.”
Taylor’s time at the Kellogg Foundation has also given him first-hand experience managing major grants. At the Kellogg Foundation, Taylor oversaw an annual budget of more than $60 million in new grants and a $140 million budget in existing grants.
“Greg Taylor has a background in education advocacy, especially for children in financially disadvantaged areas,” said Gabriella Morris, Vice President for Community Resources at Prudential Financial, Inc. and President of The Prudential Foundation. “We look forward to collaborating with Greg and the Foundation for Newark’s Future as we continue our support for efforts to provide high-quality educational experiences for all Newark children.”
Prior to joining the Kellogg Foundation, Taylor served as Senior Director and Chief Program Officer at the Fannie Mae Foundation in Washington D.C. for seven years. At Fannie Mae, Taylor created and implemented successful programs and grants in Youth Development, Housing/Community Development, and Economic Development and oversaw an annual budget of $15 million in grants.
Taylor, raised in Oakland, CA and New York City, began his career in Washington, D.C., first as a program officer for the Center for Youth Development and Research, where he worked with non-profit organizations to expand and improve their impact. From there, Taylor went on to lead Community IMPACT!, which focused on preparing young people to lead community building efforts in underserved communities in the District. During his five years leading the organization, Taylor expanded its services by over 50%, significantly impacting 4 of the District’s 8 Wards.
Background
- May 2007-May 2011: Vice President for Programs, W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
- Sept. 2003-May 2007: Program Officer, Youth and Education, W.K. Kellogg Foundation; National Director, SPARK Initiative
- Oct. 1996-Sept. 2003: Senior Director and Chief Program Officer, Fannie Mae Foundation.
- Oct. 1996-June 2001: Executive Director, Community IMPACT!
- Aug. 1995-Oct. 1996: Program Officer, Center for Youth Development and Policy Research.
- Indiana University School of Law, J.D., graduated 1995.
- Hunter College, City University of New York, B.A. (magna cum laude), graduated 1992.
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