Katie Nelligan

Dr. Katie Nelligan is the Director of External Affairs at the Center for Education Reform, where she leads external engagement and research initiatives that connect and inform policymakers, philanthropists, and education leaders to drive bold, student-centered innovation. She oversees key policy projects and initiatives that scale high-impact school models, shape emerging education policies, and expand meaningful opportunities for families and students nationwide.

Katie began her career as a founding teacher and school leader at an award-winning charter school in Nashville, Tennessee, ranked among the top 5% of schools statewide for the academic achievement of underserved students. These early classroom and leadership experiences – from curriculum and school design to operational management and professional development – continue to inform her perspective and inspire her work supporting innovative schools and emerging education policies.

Before joining CER, Katie served as the Director of Research with CER and the Yass Prize, combining strategy, research, and partnerships to help transformative programs grow and scale. She holds an Ed.D. in K–12 Education Leadership, Policy, and Organizations from Vanderbilt University, a M.Ed. in Instructional Practice from Lipscomb University, and a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College.