Frank Davis Stepping Down as TERC President, Board Appoints Laurie Brennan Interim

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The TERC Board of Trustees has appointed Laurie Brennan interim president of TERC, effective September 1, 2014. She will be replacing president Frank Davis, who earlier this year announced to the Board of Trustees his desire to step down as president at the end of the summer in order to devote more time to his research aimed at improving STEM Education for boys of color, an initiative he established at TERC.

Board Chair George Hein said, "The Board is grateful for Frank's leadership and service as president and regretfully accepts his decision to leave the office. During a time when many nonprofits suffered, and some even ceased to exist, TERC has sustained its core lines of work and established new centers and initiatives. Frank has worked diligently to advance TERC and has focused continually on expanding TERC's commitment to address educational inequities in our society."

Commenting on his decision, Frank Davis said, "It has been inspiring to lead TERC for more than seven years and a great pleasure to work with such creative, innovative, and dedicated individuals. In my work at TERC, I have long-embraced a desire to address educational inequities in our society that limit opportunities for some to experience the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I look forward to dedicating more of my time to specific initiatives that eliminate such inequities and in particular improve STEM education for boys of color."

The appointment of Laurie Brennan, who for more than a decade has been a member of TERC's senior management as Chief Operating Officer, enables TERC to successfully move forward on several strategic initiatives. Ms. Brennan has overseen the organization's business functions and strategic investments, and most recently led the expansion of TERC programs providing technical assistance to schools and districts, diversifying the types of rural and urban schools that work directly with TERC's researchers and professional development providers. She holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts and has an education background in mathematics and computer science.  She is on the Board of Trustees for the Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy, serving as treasurer, and is the co-chair of the Citizen Advisory Board for the Massachusetts Department of Development Services.

"We are fortunate that Laurie has agreed to lead the organization during this transition period," said George Hein. "Her commitment and passion for the organization and its mission, and her vast knowledge and experience with TERC's research and development initiatives, ensure that TERC will continue to thrive."

"I am honored by the board's appointment," said Ms. Brennan. "TERC is entering an exciting stage in its nearly 50 year history as a leading STEM education research and development organization. We are poised to launch several newly-funded initiatives focused on early algebra, cyberlearning, and energy education. It is a testament to Frank Davis that TERC is well positioned for future growth."

The Board of Trustees will begin a search for the next president in September.

About TERC

For nearly fifty years, TERC has been introducing millions of students throughout the United States to the exciting and rewarding worlds of math and science learning. Led by a group of experienced, forward-thinking math and science professionals, TERC is an independent, research-based organization dedicated to engaging and inspiring all students through stimulating curricula and programs designed to develop the knowledge and skills they need to ask questions, solve problems, and expand their opportunities. www.terc.edu

CONTACT:
Ken Mayer
617-873-9670
[email protected]

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SOURCE TERC