Discovery Education, the Charlotte, NC, based leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms worldwide, announced the appointment of Eli Kennedy, the CEO of SMASH, to the company’s Board of Directors. In his new role, Kennedy’s expertise will support Discovery Education’s mission to prepare all learners for tomorrow by creating innovative classrooms connected to today’s world.
Kennedy has served as SMASH CEO since 2016, and leads that company’s efforts to build a strong, diverse and socially conscious tech workforce by leveling the playing field through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students. Before joining SMASH, Kennedy was the Senior Vice President of Redbird Advanced Learning, a research based EdTech company.
Kennedy has also served as a Director at the Broad Foundation, and was on the leadership team at Platform Learning, a tutoring company focused on supporting low-income students. Prior to focusing on education, Kennedy worked in a strategic management capacity for a technology startup and as a strategy consultant for Andersen Consulting and USWEB/CKS.
Kennedy serves on the Board of Directors of Capital Impact Partners as well as the Diversity Council for code.org. He earned his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a BBA from Howard University.
“l have long admired Discovery Education’s approach to supporting the success of all learners through a unique combination of digital resources and professional learning,” said Kennedy. “I look forward to adding my background and expertise to the effort to expand the company’s reach and impact.”
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Eli to Discovery Education’s Board of Directors,” said Discovery Education CEO Paul Ilse. “Eli’s dedication to improving the academic outcomes of all students, coupled with his unique insight on today’s education landscape and sharp business acumen, make him a tremendous asset to Discovery Education’s Board as it sets the company’s strategic direction for the coming years.”
For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. Through its award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia resources, and the largest professional learning network of its kind, Discovery Education is transforming teaching and learning, creating immersive STEM experiences, and improving academic achievement around the globe. Discovery Education currently serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 140 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and like-minded organizations to empower teachers with customized solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.
