Ryan Roderick and Jillian Griffiths Elected New Leaders of Turnaround’s Board of Directors

(L-R): Ryan Roderick, Chairman of the Board; Jillian Griffiths, Vice-Chair

Richard Barasch, Chairman since 2014, to remain on Board of Directors.

Innovative nonprofit delivers tools and services, grounded in science, that help districts, principals, teachers and school staff drive healthy child development and academic achievement.

NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 20, 2018 – Turnaround for Children is thrilled to announce Ryan Roderick as new Chairman of its Board of Directors and Jillian Griffiths as new Vice-Chair. Roderick and Griffiths were elected during a meeting of the board on December 19.

Roderick, a Partner at PFM in San Francisco, first joined the board in 2016 and immediately became deeply involved in work on Turnaround’s strategy and fundraising. In 2017, he was elected Vice-Chair and headed the CEO search committee.

“I am honored and humbled to be stepping into the role of Chairman of Turnaround for Children’s Board of Directors,” Roderick said. “At Turnaround, we know that children are born with unlimited potential, but that the effects of adversity can sometimes stand in the way. Turnaround’s tools and services help leaders and educators put students on the path to reaching that potential, regardless of their start or what obstacles they have faced. I have seen firsthand what an extraordinary impact that work can have and am grateful for the chance to help lead our efforts to make sure every student receives the support they need to thrive.”

Griffiths, Chief Operating Officer at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in New York, joined the board in 2013 and has supported fundraising efforts in addition to serving on the finance and search committees.

“At a time when 51% of American public school students live in low-income households, Turnaround’s innovative approach to accelerating healthy development for all students has never been more necessary,” according to Griffiths. “Over the coming years, Turnaround will bring its groundbreaking tools and services to increased numbers of students across the country – helping to put them on a path toward the lives they choose. I am excited and proud to have the opportunity to play a role in making that impact a reality.”

Turnaround for Children President and CEO Brigid Ahern with Richard Barasch.

Roderick succeeds Richard Barasch, who led the board from 2014-2018. During Barasch’s tenure, Turnaround codified its strategy, rebranded, increased its impact and transitioned to new leadership. The organization is grateful for Barasch’s dedication, leadership and commitment over the past four years. He will remain on the board of directors.

Brigid Ahern, Turnaround for Children President and CEO, issued the following statement: “I am tremendously appreciative of Richard Barasch’s leadership over the last four years and deeply grateful to Ryan and Jillian as they step into new roles leading Turnaround for Children’s Board of Directors. Turnaround’s commitment to equipping school leaders to accelerate healthy development and academic achievement for every child is as ambitious as it is critical. We have what it takes to change the odds for students – and I know that Ryan and Jillian’s dedication to this organization and passion for its mission will be integral to that work.“

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About Turnaround for Children

Building on 16 years of experience in schools, Turnaround for Children translates the science of learning and development into tools and services for educators to help all students thrive, particularly children who have been impacted by adversity. Founded in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Turnaround has worked with more than 120 school partners to date.

Turnaround will reach more than 4,000 educators this year, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to create positive learning environments for the children they serve — approximately 50,000 students during the 2018-19 school year.

Turnaround is partnering with 20 schools this year: 15 in Washington, D.C., three in California, and two in New York City. In addition, Turnaround will provide professional development for more than 100 principals through collaborations with District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), KIPP DC, Summit Public Schools, Relay Graduate School of Education, and the New York City Department of Education, and provide consulting and professional development for nine superintendents in D.C.