A Message from Educational Alliance CEO and President Alan van Capelle
Dear friends,
When we began our search to find the next Executive Director of the Manny Cantor Center, we knew it was important to find someone to build upon the strong foundation Rabbi Joanna Samuels left us as founding Executive Director of MCC. After reviewing applications from candidates across the country and narrowing the field to an outstanding roster of finalists, I am incredibly pleased to announce Jamie Davidson Craig as the new Executive Director of the Manny Cantor Center. Her first day at MCC will be March 7.
Jamie is a seasoned educator and organizational leader. She founded New York City Charter School of the Arts in the fall of 2016, establishing the first arts-based charter middle school in Manhattan. Prior to founding her school, Jamie worked as a curriculum specialist and reading teacher at Charter Schools in the Bronx and Brooklyn. Jamie earned her BA in Comparative Literature from Barnard College with New York State certification in Secondary ELA, and completed a Master’s degree in Language and Literacy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She proudly serves on the board of Project Basta, whose mission is to create a bridge of opportunity between employers and first-generation college-goers.
What stands out most about Jamie is that her core values align so closely with the work of Educational Alliance. She has a deep commitment to helping students and families access high-quality education programs, regardless of their background. As the founding head of New York City Charter School of the Arts, she assembled a founding team and Board of Trustees that opened the most geographically, economically, and racially diverse student body among Manhattan Charter Schools. I am thrilled that she has agreed to bring this commitment to inclusion and innovation to MCC.
Alan
Alan van Capelle
