Mikva Challenge Appoints Verneé Green As New CEO
National Leader in Civic Education hires new leader
Chicago — Today, Mikva Challenge, a national leader in the field of youth civic engagement that works with over 100,000 students in sixteen states, announced that Verneé Green has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the organization. A seasoned and dynamic educational leader, Verneé was most recently the Executive Director of Mikva’s Illinois chapter. She will succeed Brian Brady – who has led Mikva Challenge for over 20 years – as the national CEO. Brian will support the transition as a senior advisor before departing in August to pursue new opportunities.
“For the past three years, I have been able to live out my calling by helping to educate students about democracy through Mikva Challenge,” said Verneé Green, newly appointed CEO of Mikva Challenge. “The events of the past year have illustrated why it is more important than ever that we reach out to young people across this country and engage them as lifelong civic participants dedicated to having their voices heard at every level of government. Democracy is a verb, and young people need a seat at the table as decisions that impact them are being made.”
For over two decades, Mikva Challenge has delivered on its mission to help young people develop civic knowledge, leadership skills, and transform their attitudes about political participation. Mikva’s hands-on civic learning programs and curricula have become a national model for effective and empowering civic education impacts:
- 99.5% of Mikva students believe they can make a difference in their community
- 95.8% want to try harder in school
- Annually Mikva Challenge engages 100,000+ youth from 22 cities/counties throughout the country. Tens of thousands more are impacted by our Action Civics curricula nationwide.
Under the leadership of Verneé Green, Mikva Challenge will grow in its mission to support educators as well as empower students to treat democracy as a verb: researching, elevating their voices, and taking action on issues about which they are passionate.
“Verneé’s deep passion for Mikva’s mission, her unwavering commitment to our young people and thought leadership in action civics makes her the perfect choice to lead Mikva Challenge for years to come,” said Mark Rosenberg, Board Chair of Mikva Challenge.
Verneé Green grew up in St. Louis, and moved to Chicago after college. She has worked in the field of education for 25 years, including three years as a teacher in Chicago Public Schools, joining Mikva Challenge three years ago as the Chief Program Officer. Verneé holds a Bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration. She is a fellow of Leadership Greater Chicago and Allstate’s Executive Leadership Program.
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About Mikva Challenge
Mikva Challenge is a nationwide youth civic engagement organization that develops youth to be empowered, informed, and active citizens who will promote a just and equitable society. Mikva is founded on the premise that youth voice and participation matter, and that our country’s civic and political life is stronger when youth participate and help shape their own destinies. Mikva serves over 100,000 students in 16 states in all regions of the country.
Media Contact:
Katie Dolan
katie@unitedpublicaffairs.com
267-975-1685
