Phi Delta Kappa International, Chief Executive Officer

We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Jeanie Lee as the next Chief Executive Officer of PDK International. Jeanie will officially begin her role as CEO on January 12, 2026. 

Lee’s commitment to public education started as a classroom teacher. Her experience has spanned national foundations, entrepreneurial nonprofits, and the public sector, successfully raising over $70 million to fund initiatives within multi-sector organizations. Lee has been steadfast in looking for opportunities to innovate and to have a measurable impact across diverse communities. She holds degrees from Boston University and the Johns Hopkins University School of Education.

“We believe Jeanie will lead our longstanding organization into its next chapter, growing upon its prior success in leading the way with reimagining educator pathways. We have found a leader who will champion the role of educators and pre-educators in today’s challenging landscape for public education,” said Dr. Deborah Delisle, PDK International’s board chairperson. She continued, “We are fortunate to have an advocate for public education. Coupled with her leadership and philanthropy experience, she is well-prepared to grow the impact our organization is having to support both established educators alongside those entering the field.”

Read the full press release here.

Sean Farrell led this search with Janette Martinez and Drew Chang.