Meet our New Executive director!
Andi Overton, Ed.D, MBA, MS

Dr. Andi Overton is a distinguished leader in higher education with expertise in adult learning theory and higher education policy and practice, focusing on women’s empowerment through diversity, equity, and inclusion. Driven by a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education, Dr. Overton continues to dedicate her energy and expertise to creating a world where women have equal access to education, leadership opportunities, and resources. Her contributions include serving on several non-profit boards, consulting on policy in higher education, and holding leadership positions within the higher education arena.

Beyond her doctoral research in adult learning theory and learning assessment, Dr. Overton holds graduate degrees in business (MBA) and criminal justice (MS) and a post-baccalaureate certificate in project management. Her research and practical experience have equipped her with valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in academic and leadership roles. 

An avid Boston Redsox baseball fan, Dr. Overton lives with her wife, Stacey, and several rescued dogs and cats in central Maryland. 

Dr. Overton can be reached at aoverton@plen.org.


PLEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Caitlin Donahue, Founder, Seven Star Strategies (Chair)

Whitney Terrill, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Disability Services Division, Fiscal Policy Analyst (Treasurer)

Nancy Bocskor, Adjunct Professor, The Graduate School of Political Management, The George Washington University; Founder, The Nancy Bocskor Company

Alana Pilar Cantillo, Senior Director of Advocacy, The New York Immigration Coalition (PLEN Alumna)

Erica Dahl, Head of Policy, ChargeNet Stations

Marti Estell, Senior Foreign Service Officer (ret), U.S. Department of State

Shae Harris, Market Manager, Mid-Atlantic, Corporate Responsibility, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Vicki Klopsch, Vice President of Training and Programs, Coro Southern California

Courtney Liss, Trial Lawyer, Keker, Van Nest, & Peters LLP

Yasmeen Long, Director, FasterCures

Amy Meli, Senior Director, Public Affairs Council

Shelby Olson, Principal, CareerLife Directions LLC

Deborah D. Ricker, Ph. D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Hood College

Angie Schmidt Whitney, Executive Director, Experience & Professional Development, The College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University



PLEN Advisory Council

Nancy Dietz, Former Senior Consultant, Coxe Curry & Associates (Co-Chair)

Ellie Shaw, Director, Federal Government Affairs, American Express (Co-Chair)

Esther Barazzone, President Emerita, Chatham University

Elizabeth Bartz, CEO, State and Federal Communications

Lisa Kaenzig, Dean, William Smith College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Veryl Miles, Professor of Law, Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University of America

Georgia Nugent, President, Illinois Wesleyan University; President Emerita, Kenyon College; Senior Fellow, Council of Independent Colleges

Lisa Marsh Ryerson, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Strategy and Special Initiatives, Southern New Hampshire University

Meredith Singer, Head of Federal Government Affairs, HP Inc.

Looking to Get involved?
APPLY TO JOIN THE PLEN Board

Prospective Board Member Application 

Please complete this application and return to Caitlin Donahue, PLEN Chair, at caitlin@sevenstarstrategies.com either as a pdf or Word document. Thank you!

  1. Why are you interested in becoming a member of the PLEN Board? 
  2. What is your experience with other boards, nonprofit or otherwise? 
  3. From your perspective, what is the function of the PLEN Board of Directors? 
  4. What is your experience in the public policy and leadership space? 
  5. What do you like most about PLEN? What can PLEN change or improve upon? 
  6. In your opinion, what do you think are PLEN’s biggest challenges and opportunities?
  7. As a Board Member, how would you help PLEN raise money? 
  8. Are there other organizations you’re familiar with that could be a good partner/funder for PLEN? 
  9. Do you have any professional skills or hobbies that would be useful to PLEN? 
  10. Are there other things that you would like us to know about you?