Matthew Randazzo Named CEO of National Math + Science Initiative

"Matthew is an exceptional leader who has already established an ambitious and exciting vision for NMSI’s future,” said Tom Luce, NMSI board chair and founding CEO. "In this pivotal time for our organization, he brings a track record in driving growth and cultivating partnerships, combined with deep expertise and knowledge of today’s education landscape. We are unanimous in our confidence that Matthew will guide NMSI successfully into its next phase of growth.”
 
Randazzo joined NMSI in September 2014 as Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, responsible for planning and implementing NMSI’s external engagement strategies, including development of public and private partnerships to grow NMSI’s footprint while deepening its impact in target communities nationwide.
 
Prior to joining NMSI, he served as founding president and CEO of Choose to Succeed, where he mobilized $45 million in local, state and national pledges to support high-quality, tuition-free public education options for families in San Antonio, Texas. Previously, he served as chief growth officer for IDEA Public Schools, where he led the growth plans for a network of public charter schools serving more than 20,000 students in 36 Texas schools. Randazzo earned his bachelor’s in political science and Latin American Studies from Albion College (Michigan) and his Master of Public Affairs degree from the University of Texas.
 
“I am honored to continue NMSI’s important work advancing scalable, measurable programs that prepare all students to succeed,” said Randazzo. “We are poised to move the needle even further in enhancing student achievement, supporting our nation’s teachers and empowering communities to adopt effective practices that develop and inspire our next generation. The growth opportunities that lie ahead for NMSI are tremendous, and I’m thrilled and humbled to lead us forward.”
 
NMSI’s proven programs have reached a million students across 36 states. In just seven years, NMSI has trained more than 50,000 teachers, improving the quality of instruction students receive beginning in elementary school; attracted more than 125,000 students into rigorous math, science and English courses, dramatically boosting annual Advanced Placement performance in partner high schools; and supported the preparation of more than 1,200 new math and science teachers holding STEM degrees.
 
Just this year, NMSI has secured more than $100 million in state, federal and philanthropic funds to support its work over the next several years.
 
“NMSI had always stood out to me for achieving transformational results community by community,” added Randazzo. “We are making academic excellence an expectation for more students, teachers and schools than ever before.”
 
About National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI): NMSI provides scalable, rigorous and cost-effective program solutions that empower school communities to prepare all students to succeed in college and the workforce. Launched in 2007 by top leaders in business, education, and science, NMSI has received national recognition for improving student achievement and teacher effectiveness with proven programs including NMSI's College Readiness Program, NMSI's Laying the Foundation Teacher Training Program and NMSI's UTeach Expansion Program. Inaugural funding for NMSI was provided by ExxonMobil, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. For more information, visit www.nms.org.