Dear Friend of the YPIE Community,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Samuel Wallis as Yonkers Partners in Education's next Executive Director effective July 1st. After an extensive search, we chose Sam because of his demonstrated leadership, proven effectiveness and the deep respect he has earned from the entire YPIE community.
Sam becomes the second YPIE Executive Director in its twelve year history. Wendy Nadel, our first Director, built the organization into a successful and highly respected not-for-profit and hired Sam in 2015 to expand and deepen our programs. Sam has done this, creating one of the most comprehensive models for helping low-income, first-generation students be ready for, enroll in, and complete college.
Since joining the YPIE team as Chief Program Officer, Sam has led a team of educators, social workers, college advisors, and more than 250 volunteers to help thousands of students find and pursue their path to college success.
"Sam has an authentic passion for education as a means to level the playing field for low-income youth," said Wendy Nadel, outgoing Executive Director. "Under his leadership, I'm confident that YPIE will continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students."
"I have seen how a college education changes lives, not just for the students, but also for their families and communities," said Sam Wallis. "We all share the responsibility to ensure that every student has the ability to thrive. I am honored to lead an organization of committed staff and volunteers focused on helping young people unlock their full potential."
After graduating from Tufts University, Sam joined Teach for America as a high school teacher in a struggling rural Mississippi Delta high school. During his tenure, he led a team of teachers that quadrupled the percentage of students enrolling in college after high school graduation.
Born in Yonkers, Sam returned to the New York area to join the leadership team of a public charter high school in Harlem that is part of the Democracy Prep network. He earned his Master's Degree in Public School Building Leadership from Columbia University Teachers College. We look forward to welcoming Sam to his new role and will enthusiastically watch as he leads YPIE into its next chapter.
Sincerely,
David Westin
Board Chair, YPIE