Leadership
Co-Executive Directors
Jessica R. Wolff, Co-Executive Director, Strategy & Advancement, is a veteran nonprofit leader, education policy analyst, educator, researcher, writer, and advocate. Ms. Wolff conceived of and launched DemocracyReady NY in 2018 while working at the Center for Educational Equity at Teachers College, Columbia University. She served as the Center’s Policy and Research Director and was a core leader of its work and strategic direction from 2005 through 2025, when DemocracyReady NY formally separated from the Center. Previously, Ms. Wolff served as Director of Policy at the Campaign for Fiscal Equity and as Director of Outreach at the Public Education Association, where her work focused on education equity, public engagement, and policy advocacy. She holds an M.A. from New York University and a B.A. from Brown University.
Contact her at jessica@democracyreadyny.org
Nan Eileen Mead , Co-Executive Director, Operations & Partnerships, is a longtime education policy advocate, researcher, and policymaker. Ms. Mead, after a first career in the finance sector, served on several education policy and advocacy boards as a public school parent of children attending New York City public schools. From 2016 to 2022, she represented the 1st Judicial District on the New York State Board of Regents. During her tenure, she co-chaired the Regents Subcommittee on State Aid. She was Director of Outreach and Communications at the Center for Educational Equity from 2022 to 2025.
Contact her at naneileen@democracyreadyny.org
DemocracyReady NY operates under a fiscal sponsor, Build Up, Inc., which provides our nonprofit and financial infrastructure.
Executive Committee
Senior Advisor
Rashid Duroseau, Democracy Prep Public Schools
Shira Epstein, School of Education, City College of New York
DK Holland, Inquiring Minds Institute
Lisa Kissinger, New York State Council for the Social Studies
Chris, Kobara, Youth Member
Carolyn Ostrander, NYS Grange
Melinda Person, NYSUT
Erica Smitka, League of Women Voters of New York State
Ebonie Simpson, Generation Citizen
Kelly Wetherbee, Media Literacy Now
Jay Worona, New York State School Boards Association
Michael A. Rebell is a co-founder of DemocracyReady NY, executive director of the Center for Educational Equity, and professor of law and educational practice at Teachers College. Mr. Rebell co-founded and served as executive director of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE), which won a major constitutional ruling on behalf of New York schools. Mr. Rebell has written six books and several dozen articles on a wide range of education issues, including educational equity, education finance, civic preparation, testing, and the rights of disabled students.