Learning Policy Institute Names Elena Silva as New President and CEO

The Learning Policy Institute (LPI) is pleased to announce that Elena Silva has been appointed as its new President and CEO, effective April 28, 2025. A nationally recognized education policy leader, Silva brings more than 25 years of experience in research, policy, and organizational leadership, with a deep commitment to advancing educational equity.

Silva succeeds Linda Darling-Hammond, who founded LPI in 2015 and has led the organization for the past decade. Darling-Hammond will transition to the role of Chief Knowledge Officer, focusing on key research and policy initiatives and working closely with Silva and leading LPI researchers. Under Darling-Hammond’s leadership, LPI has become a nationally recognized force in education policy, delivering high-quality research and analysis that has shaped policies and practices at the local, state, and national levels to build stronger, more equitable education systems for all students.

Silva joins LPI from New America, where she has led strategic planning, research, and policy initiatives as the Senior Director of Education. Under her leadership, New America’s birth through 12th-grade education program has grown into a nationally recognized hub for research and policy innovation, driving systemic change in areas such as teacher preparation, school finance equity, and support for English learners and students with disabilities.

“Elena’s extensive experience bridging research, policy, and practice makes her the ideal leader to guide LPI into its next chapter,” said Barbara Chow, Chair of the LPI Board of Directors. “She has a clear vision for how research can inform policy solutions that create stronger, more equitable public education systems.”

Prior to her tenure at New America, Silva held leadership roles at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Association of University Women, shaping national research agendas and leading policy initiatives focused on teaching and learning. Silva began her career managing youth leadership programs for the DC-based ASPIRA Association, one of the largest national Hispanic-serving organizations, where she developed and directed one of the first AmeriCorps service programs in the nation. She also served as a member of the U.S. Senate task force for Hispanic education and as a member of the Gordon Commission on the Future of Assessment.

Silva holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of California, Berkeley, with research focused on school reform and equity. She has dedicated her career to ensuring that education systems serve all students—especially those historically underserved—by fostering collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

“I am honored to join LPI at this critical time for public education,” said Silva. “LPI has built a strong reputation as a trusted, nonpartisan leader in education policy, and I look forward to working with the team to advance research-driven solutions that support students, educators, and communities across the country.”

“Launching LPI has been a great privilege,” said Darling-Hammond. “I am thrilled to see Elena step into this role. She is a visionary leader with a deep commitment to educational equity and a strong track record of organizational leadership to drive meaningful policy change. I look forward to supporting her and the LPI team as they continue this vital work.”