By Brennan LaBrie

For the past 11 years, Jessica Paulson has helped lead EOS’ data reporting and analytics efforts, which serves a central role in our data-centered approach to improving student outcomes in partner schools nationwide.  

As EOS’ new Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, Paulson will continue to drive EOS’ data work while also guiding us into a new era of innovation. The exciting initiatives we are launching this school year are just a few of the innovative solutions in the works under Paulson’s leadership.  

We asked Paulson about her new role, how it helps her build on the work she’s led for over a decade, and what excites her most about the future of EOS – a future she is already helping to craft.  

How does this position differ from your previous role? 

There are some ways this role is really different from my previous role and there are ways it is very similar. It’s similar in that I get to work with my amazing colleagues from across the organization to collaborate on how we evolve and grow – the differences is that I’m now convening people rather than joining as the data lens/expert. I would also say that this role continues to require me to hold center our most important stakeholder – students. I also continue to rely on data – whether it be impact data or feedback from stakeholders to guide where we go and what our priorities are. 

What are you most excited about in taking on this new position?   

I am really excited that part of my job is to get to work with a diverse array of teams and colleagues and that I get to hold creative space for the genius of my colleagues to come to life. I also love that I get to brag to external stakeholders about all the incredible work that goes on across the organization. 

How have you seen the organization grow over your 11 years here? 

Over the 11 years I’ve been able to see this organization mature and grow in incredible ways. Things we’re doing now were once only dreams we didn’t know would ever become reality. As much as we have grown over the years, the two things that haven’t changed is the staff’s dedication to our mission and our students. I thank the stars every day for how lucky I am to work with such incredible people. 

As the leader of EOS’ strategic innovation portfolio, what innovations is your team focusing on right now? 

At EOS we always have a lot cooking – while we’re in the midst of launching our programmatic expansion to concurrent credit courses and piloting a middle school program, we’re also looking at ways that we can further leverage the work our tech team is doing to rearchitect our data to enable us to use cutting edge technology, such as AI, to increase our impact and help our schools and students get the most out of the data we provide. 

Keep an eye out on our blog and LinkedIn page for updates on these initiatives and other innovations helmed by Paulson and her team! 

Brennan LaBrie helps EOS and its partners tell their stories and spread awareness of their work through the mediums of print, audio and video. With a background in local journalism, he loves sharing the stories of the individuals and organizations driving impact in their community and beyond.