The Century Foundation (TCF), a leading progressive public policy think tank, today welcomed Denise Forte as a senior fellow focused on education policy, working in the organization’s Washington office. A veteran of Capitol Hill, Forte was most recently the Staff Director for the House Committee on Education and the Workforce (Minority), led by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA).
At TCF, Forte will focus on a wide range of issues related to K-12 and higher education, including efforts to increase the diversity, quality, and accountability of schools across the nation. She will work closely with TCF’s senior leadership team, as the organization continues to expand its Washington D.C. presence and increase the policy impact of its research.
“Denise Forte’s reputation on Capitol Hill is as good as they come. She’s a tireless leader who has touched countless lives through her work on education, children, and youth issues,” said TCF President Mark Zuckerman. “Ever since I worked alongside Denise on the House Education and Workforce Committee, I’ve been immensely impressed with the strategic vision, deep expertise, and enthusiasm she brings to her work. I’m thrilled to welcome her to the TCF team.”
Previously in her career, Denise served as Vice President for Policy Leadership at Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE), a leadership development organization supporting current and former teachers in public leadership. Denise also served in the Obama Administration at the U.S. Department of Education from 2011-2013, where she held the positions of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary in the Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, providing direction and management of the office that oversees policy and budget development.
Forte joins TCF at a time of great expansion for the organization. Already in 2017, the think tank has grown its research team with the addition of new fellows Jeanne Lambrew and Ellen Montz, both former Obama White House advisors, as well as Young Invincibles’ cofounder Jen Mishory and legal expert Yan Cao, both who specialize in education policy. Additionally, TCF expanded its board of trustees this year, with the appointment of national education experts, former Congressman George Miller and former Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr.
“There are few organizations that match The Century Foundation’s leadership in shaping U.S. education policy, including ensuring students have the opportunity to attend racially and socioeconomically diverse public schools and holding accountable predatory for-profit colleges to,” said Denise Forte. “It’s an honor to join a team that combines rigorous research and expertise with a passion for equity in education and a deep commitment to effecting change.”
Throughout her career, Denise has been recognized by numerous national advocacy groups for her leadership on education and family policy. She has consistently delivered bipartisan achievements on significant reauthorizations including the Elementary and Secondary Elementary Act, juvenile justice reform, and improvements to child nutrition and national service programs. Denise received her B.S. in Computer Science from Duke University in 1986, and a M.A. in Women’s Studies from the George Washington University in 1996. She resides in Washington, D.C. with her family.
Capitol Hill Veteran Denise Forte Latest Expert to Join The Century Foundation
The Century Foundation (TCF), a leading progressive public policy think tank, today welcomed Denise Forte as a senior fellow focused on education policy, working in the organization’s Washington office. A veteran of Capitol Hill, Forte was most recently the Staff Director for the House Committee on Education and the Workforce (Minority), led by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA).
At TCF, Forte will focus on a wide range of issues related to K-12 and higher education, including efforts to increase the diversity, quality, and accountability of schools across the nation. She will work closely with TCF’s senior leadership team, as the organization continues to expand its Washington D.C. presence and increase the policy impact of its research.
“Denise Forte’s reputation on Capitol Hill is as good as they come. She’s a tireless leader who has touched countless lives through her work on education, children, and youth issues,” said TCF President Mark Zuckerman. “Ever since I worked alongside Denise on the House Education and Workforce Committee, I’ve been immensely impressed with the strategic vision, deep expertise, and enthusiasm she brings to her work. I’m thrilled to welcome her to the TCF team.”
Previously in her career, Denise served as Vice President for Policy Leadership at Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE), a leadership development organization supporting current and former teachers in public leadership. Denise also served in the Obama Administration at the U.S. Department of Education from 2011-2013, where she held the positions of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Acting Assistant Secretary in the Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, providing direction and management of the office that oversees policy and budget development.
Forte joins TCF at a time of great expansion for the organization. Already in 2017, the think tank has grown its research team with the addition of new fellows Jeanne Lambrew and Ellen Montz, both former Obama White House advisors, as well as Young Invincibles’ cofounder Jen Mishory and legal expert Yan Cao, both who specialize in education policy. Additionally, TCF expanded its board of trustees this year, with the appointment of national education experts, former Congressman George Miller and former Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr.
“There are few organizations that match The Century Foundation’s leadership in shaping U.S. education policy, including ensuring students have the opportunity to attend racially and socioeconomically diverse public schools and holding accountable predatory for-profit colleges to,” said Denise Forte. “It’s an honor to join a team that combines rigorous research and expertise with a passion for equity in education and a deep commitment to effecting change.”
Throughout her career, Denise has been recognized by numerous national advocacy groups for her leadership on education and family policy. She has consistently delivered bipartisan achievements on significant reauthorizations including the Elementary and Secondary Elementary Act, juvenile justice reform, and improvements to child nutrition and national service programs. Denise received her B.S. in Computer Science from Duke University in 1986, and a M.A. in Women’s Studies from the George Washington University in 1996. She resides in Washington, D.C. with her family.