DALLAS, TEXAS —The George W. Bush Institute welcomes Robin Berkley as the Ann Kimball Johnson Director of Education. In this role, Berkley will advise the Bush Institute in policy research and thought leadership in the education portfolio, which includes accountability, literacy, pathways to opportunity, and the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries.
“It is an honor to have Robin Berkley join our team,” said Anne Wicks, the Don Evans Family Managing Director of Opportunity and Democracy at the Bush Institute. “She has deep policy experience, a unique insight into the student experience, and a strong commitment to ensuring all students can learn and succeed.”
Berkley has spent two decades focused on improving opportunities for all children, particularly those from traditionally marginalized communities. She has worked in leadership roles at the Texas Education Agency as well as EducationCounsel, a national, mission-based education consulting firm that combines policy, strategy, law, and advocacy to improve the U.S. education system.
From 2014-2020, Berkley served as the Executive Director of Horton’s Kids, a site-based organization in southeast Washington D.C. that supports 500 children and families living in an under-resourced HUD housing community by providing education, mental health, basic needs, career preparation, mentoring, and enrichment programs. During her tenure, the graduation rate of children in Horton’s Kids rose from 65% to 100%.
“I am thrilled to now be a part of the great work the Bush Institute is doing on literacy, opportunity, and accountability,” Berkley said. “As a parent and policy professional, I am excited to lend my expertise to advance the values and priorities of President and Mrs. Bush in our education portfolio.”
As a member of the Board of Directors for Educational First Steps and former volunteer with Reading Partners, Junior Achievement, and KIPP DC, Berkley’s passion for children extends to all aspects of her life. She has also served as a Board Member of Many Hands Washington, D.C., and Board Chair of the Blue Igloo Early Childhood Cooperative. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University.
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About the George W. Bush Institute
The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at bushcenter.org.
