LA’s BEST Board of Directors is thrilled to announce Michele Broadnax as the LA’s BEST incoming President and CEO. Michele was unanimously appointed following a rigorous interviewing and vetting process by the Search Committee led by our Governing Board Vice Chair Trudi Ferguson. Michele was selected among a stellar group of candidates for her extensive leadership and fundraising experience, commitment to creating equitable opportunities across Los Angeles and accomplishments in the education field that mirror LA’s BEST’s foundational values and mission.

“On behalf of LA’s BEST Boards, we want to congratulate Michele Broadnax on her appointment,” said Damián Mazzotta, Chair, LA’s BEST Board of Directors. “I know that Michele’s foresight for future planning, vision and tenacity will be an asset to our organization and her leadership will further strengthen the impact of LA’s BEST across Los Angeles.”

Michele brings more than 30 years of experience in successfully designing and implementing fundraising, public relations, and program development initiatives for nonprofit, for-profit, and public institutions. Since January 2019, she has served as the President and CEO of Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP). Under Michele’s leadership, LAEP supported families through the COVID pandemic and the transition back to in-person learning while maintaining organizational stability. Michele also led work to deepen the organization’s commitment to alleviating the impact of racial disparities in education. Prior to joining LAEP, Michele worked as a consultant for the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) and she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Los Angeles County and Michele is a member of the inaugural cohort of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice’s Black Leadership Institute national fellowship.

Michele’s approach to empowering students is reflected in her leadership advancing equity in education. “Leadership matters, especially when it comes to the noble, difficult work of serving young people,” Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Michele Broadnax’s leadership at LAEP exemplifies her commitment to equity, students, staff and families. I look forward to partnering with her as she leads LA’s BEST to provide safe and enriching afterschool programs to students across Los Angeles Unified.”

Having served the greater Los Angeles area for decades, Michele’s loyalty to improving the lives of Angelenos will continue as she advances LA’s BEST. Mayor Karen Bass recognizes Michele’s dedication as she writes, “I’m looking forward to working with Michele in this new capacity. Throughout her career, Michele has substantially advanced access to equitable education and is dedicated to community development throughout Los Angeles. Through working with Michele in the past, I know her impact on children and families — and I know it will only continue to grow through her leadership of LA’s BEST, a longstanding partner of the City of Los Angeles.”

“It has been an honor to lead LAEP and its evolution into this beautiful moment in its 40-year history,” Michele said. “I am humbled and energized by the opportunity to bring my experiences and enthusiasm for expanded learning to LA’s BEST. I am ready to lead the advancement and growth of LA’s BEST with the Boards and staff and to continue my journey promoting educational opportunities for our City’s most at-promise youth and families.”

We look forward to welcoming Michele Broadnax to our LA’s BEST community and are eager for you to get to know her.