Veronica Conforme to Serve as Vice President of the College Board's Access to Rigor Campaign

NEW YORK, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The College Board today announced that effective immediately, Veronica Conforme will serve as vice president of the organization's Access to Rigor campaign. Conforme comes to the College Board from the New York City Department of Education, where she played key roles in nearly every major reform undertaken by the DOE in the past 10 years. Most recently, she served as the DOE's chief operating officer and senior adviser to the chancellor, and directed work of the finance, technology, fundraising, communications and public affairs, and operations teams.

"We see the millions of students who take part in our programs as within our care, and we feel a deep sense of responsibility to propel them forward. The Access to Rigor campaign is at the heart of our work to deliver opportunity to many more students," said David Coleman, president of the College Board. "I can think of no better person than Veronica to lead this charge. Her commitment to students and her ability to achieve results are clear from her track record and many accomplishments."

Prior to serving as COO of the NYC DOE, Conforme served as the DOE's chief financial officer and the deputy chief schools officer for operations, overseeing the day-to-day operations for New York City's 1,700 schools. Before joining the DOE, she held positions at Columbia University's medical center and law school. Conforme holds a master's degree in public administration and public policy from Columbia University. She earned her bachelor's degree from Syracuse University.

"I am honored to serve and lead this critical equity agenda ensuring that all students, especially those from underserved communities, have access to rigorous course work in high school and to the tools and information they need to attend and succeed in college," said Conforme. "This new direction for the College Board will increase our ability to deliver opportunities to students through evidence-based practices with meaningful, measurable results."

As vice president of the Access to Rigor campaign, Conforme will lead what will become the organization's signature social investment. The campaign will focus squarely on low income and traditionally underserved students and the actions they need to take to be most successful in college. Specifically, this campaign will mobilize students to take and succeed in those AP® courses for which they have potential; attend colleges where they are equipped to succeed without remediation; and explore the full range of college options available to them in order to ensure that they go to a college that is the best fit for their individual needs and academic qualifications.

Education and Community Leaders Comment on Conforme's Role with the College Board:

Dennis Walcott, Chancellor, New York City Department of Education: "Veronica Conforme has been a remarkable asset to the Department of Education and has proven herself to be a dedicated and respected leader within our organization.  It has been a pleasure to work with Veronica over the past few years, and I know that she will bring her passion and leadership for college and career readiness to the College Board."  

Joel Klein, Executive Vice President, News Corp: "Veronica is an outstanding leader with a deep commitment to giving every student a real opportunity to succeed. That she will bring these attributes to this important work for the College Board will lead to great things. Our kids will be the beneficiaries."

Jean S. Desravines, CEO, New Leaders: "I've worked closely with Veronica. I've found her to be strategic, forward thinking and passionate about educating underserved kids. The College Board is fortunate to have her as part of its team."

About the College Board
The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of more than 6,000 of the world's leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools. For further information, visit www.collegeboard.org.

SOURCE The College Board