Preparing students for lives full of choices.
The heart and soul of LA's BEST comes from our students. And it's our staff who appreciates this most.
We are a diverse team, working together to champion equity for all children in Los Angeles. We support each other, and we strive to meet the needs of every child.
Get to know us.
David Anderson
President & CEO
David P. Anderson is the President & CEO of LA’s BEST Afterschool Enrichment Program. Born and raised in Los Angeles, David is an energetic leader in the afterschool and expanded learning field. David came to LA’s BEST with two decades of experience in the sector and a business mind woven in passion and care for positive change.
In 2018, David was honored by the California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division with the Emerging Leadership Award. Earlier this year, David was named a Health Champion by Alliance for a Healthier Generation for his dedication to advance whole child health. He has served on the Los Angeles County Office of Education Expanded Learning Executive Leadership Committee and several strategic planning committees with the California Department of Education.
Throughout his career, David has worked with four school districts and one charter school network. His career trajectory has taken him from working directly with students in the classroom, to serving as a Site Coordinator, and an Expanded Learning Manager for Lennox School District. Most recently, he has served in executive leadership with Think Together, the largest provider of expanded learning programs in California.
David attended LAUSD schools from kindergarten through high school. He attended Santa Monica College, before transferring to the University of Southern California, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. He went on to achieve a Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship degree from the USC Marshall School of Business, where he was awarded Social Entrepreneur of the Year.
Dee Ann Rivera
Interim Chief Operating Officer
The key to Dee Ann’s position is to have an understanding of processes and putting systems in place that enable the Operations Office to be the most productive in improving logistics for all those systems. Dee Ann has been with LAUSD for over three decades working on school campuses; supervisory roles; administrative leadership; advocating legislation; and currently program infrastructure. Her contributions to LA’s BEST began in 1994, a few years after obtaining her degree. This 23-year journey with LA’s BEST started as a site coordinator, eventually events coordinator and current director. During this time she has obtained countless relationships, collaboration partners, program insights, support networks, resources and experience that she uses daily for the benefit of our children.
“My core motivation is social justice. I feel this program has evolved with the times, is making new leaders and advocates in creating opportunities for children regardless of ZIP code.”