PDK International Welcomes Jeanie Lee as Its Next Chief Executive

Arlington, VA – January 7, 2026 – Following a national search, PDK International today announced that Jeanie Lee has been selected as the organization’s next chief executive officer. Lee’s career has long been centered on public education, spanning classroom teaching, district leadership, and strategic senior nonprofit roles.

“We believe Jeanie will lead our longstanding organization into its next chapter, growing upon its prior success in leading the way with reimagining educator pathways. We have found a leader who will champion the role of educators and pre-educators in today’s challenging landscape for public education,” said Dr. Deborah Delisle, PDK International’s board chairperson. She continued: “We are fortunate to have an advocate for public education. Coupled with her leadership and philanthropy experience, she is well-prepared to grow the impact our organization is having to support both established educators alongside those entering the field.”

Lee’s commitment to public education started as a classroom teacher. Her experience has spanned national foundations, entrepreneurial nonprofits, and the public sector, successfully raising over $70M to fund initiatives within multi-sector organizations. Lee has been steadfast in looking for opportunities to innovate and to have measurable impact across diverse communities. She holds degrees from Boston University and the Johns Hopkins University School of Education.

Jeanie Lee shared: “I became an educator because I believed schools could change lives. I stayed because I saw how much educators need clear pathways, strong communities, and real backing to do their work well. Educators play an essential civic role in our communities, shaping how young people learn, belong, and contribute. PDK is one of the few organizations built around that truth, connecting civic purpose to workforce solutions through early, practical pathways like Educators Rising. I am honored to lead and grow this work, and to strengthen the profession for the people who choose it.”

Since June 2025, PDK International has been led by transitional chief executive Dr. John Ramos, Sr., who joined PDK International after the departure of Dr. James F. Lane. The PDK International Board would like to thank Dr. Ramos for his service during this transition. Jeanie Lee will officially start her role as CEO on January 12, 2026.

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About PDK International
Established in 1906, PDK International supports P-20 educators, researchers, and policy makers by strengthening their commitment to the profession throughout the entire arc of their careers. We are committed to elevating the profession through the intersection of research and practice. Through our core values of excellence, service, community, optimism and leadership we encourage educators and stakeholders to elevate the discourse and change the narrative around teaching and learning to ensure that every student has a high-quality education. https://www.pdkintl.org

About Educators Rising
In 2015, PDK International – in its 115-year commitment to the profession of education – launched Educators Rising, formerly the Future Educators Association (FEA). Today, Educators Rising is cultivating a new generation of highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path from high school through college and into their teaching careers. By working with aspiring educators who are passionate about serving those communities through public education, Educators Rising is changing the face of teaching. www.educatorsrising.org