EOS Board of Directors Appoints Deb Merle as Interim CEO
Seattle, WA January 28, 2019 – The EOS Board of Directors is very pleased to announce that Debora (Deb) Merle begins today as the Interim CEO for EOS. She replaces Reid Saaris who is stepping down as CEO effective February 1, 2019.
We are fortunate to have an Interim CEO who has passion for our work, unique qualifications for the role, and a highly collaborative style. During Deb’s career in public education research, advocacy and policy making, she worked to advance equity with a particular focus on how best to equip students of color and low-income students for success in college. She was instrumental in the development and implementation of statewide programs that made demonstrable differences in the lives of students in Washington state. Deb has also earned a reputation for ensuring smooth operations as an interim leader of educational organizations during times of significant transition.
Deb Merle said, “Equal Opportunity Schools is an amazing organization full of people dedicated to improving the lives of students of color and low-income students by ensuring access to rigorous high school programs that will prepare them well for college. I’m honored to have been chosen to lead the team during this transition and can’t wait to get started.”
Deb Merle will serve as the Interim CEO until a permanent CEO is hired in the next six to nine months. Reid Saaris will continue to support the organization though his ongoing work with the Board and as an external advisor.
About Equal Opportunity Schools
EOS’s mission is to ensure students of all backgrounds have equal access to America’s most academically intense high school programs, and particularly that low-income students and students of color have opportunities to succeed at the highest levels. The nonprofit organization’s partnership model is consultative, collaborative, and requires a commitment to specific and measurable results. Since its incorporation in 2010, EOS has helped more than 540 schools across 29 states identify tens of thousands of low-income students and students of color who qualify for – but are missing from – Advanced Placement or other rigorous levels of coursework. EOS is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. www.eoschools.org.
For more information, contact:
Tofa McCormick | Marketing Communications Manager | Tofa@EOSchools.org
