Our Latest

NEW YORK CITY, April 15, 2024 – ExpandED Schools, the largest intermediary nonprofit in New York City exclusively focused on advancing educational equity and delivering full-scale learning and development opportunities to students and educators, is pleased to announce the promotion of Candace Brazier-Thurman to the position of Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. In her new role, Brazier-Thurman will spearhead operations to drive ExpandED Schools’ overarching strategy, ensuring its long-term sustainability and responsiveness to an ever-changing environment.

With a tenure spanning over 15 years at ExpandED Schools, Brazier-Thurman has held various leadership positions, culminating in her latest promotion. Under her leadership, Brazier-Thurman managed a multi-million-dollar private and public fund budget and successfully scaled ExpandED Schools’ portfolio of career-connected learning from a single program model to a rich array of supports to the career-connected learning ecosystem directly reaching more than 1,600 students annually and affecting policy and practice citywide.

Saskia Traill, Ph.D., President and CEO of ExpandED Schools, said, “Candace Brazier-Thurman’s exceptional leadership has been instrumental in driving transformative change for the benefit of young New Yorkers engaged in career-connected learning. Candace has always focused on whether our work improves the lives of young people, and I am truly delighted to have her at the helm of our operations. Her collaborative leadership style, characterized by integrity, equity, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement, will support ExpandED Schools in advancing our mission and serving our community.”

“Candace Brazier-Thurman’s appointment as Chief Operating Officer represents a significant milestone in ExpandED Schools’ journey of growth and strategic development,” said Brandon Robinson, ExpandED Schools’ Chairman of the Board. “Her demonstrated commitment to advancing educational opportunities positions us for operational success. We are confident that Candace’s dynamic leadership will drive our mission of empowering young learners and educators forward, perfectly aligning with our vision and strategic objectives.”

“As Chief Operating Officer, I am honored to lead ExpandED Schools’ operations into its next phase of growth and impact. With a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and a focus on strategic planning, I am committed to driving sustainable outcomes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all facets of our operations,” said Brazier-Thurman.

Brazier-Thurman holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Baruch University, a Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights and African American Studies from Columbia University, and she completed the Developing Leaders Program at Columbia University.