July 16, 2026
WestEd today announced that Ruth Glass, a Tucson resident, veteran teacher, and independent schools advocate, will serve as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Glass has served on WestEd’s Board of Directors since 2013. Her 1-year term as Board Chair will begin July 17, 2026. WestEd is a nonpartisan research, development, and service agency that works to promote excellence, improve learning, and increase opportunity for children, youth, and adults.
Over the course of her career, Glass has served in nine independent schools in seven states as a classroom teacher, middle school head, and head of school. She has served on the boards of the Sun Valley Community School in Idaho, the Northwest Association of Independent Schools, and the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and on a steering committee for the California Association of Independent Schools. Glass was also the cofounder and codirector of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools and the New Teacher Institute, a program that prepares new educators to teach in independent schools.
“Ruth’s extensive experience as an educator, an education leader, and a mentor to early-career teachers gives her extraordinary perspective into the challenges in this field,” said WestEd CEO Jannelle Kubinec. “Her guidance and leadership will be invaluable as WestEd moves into its 7th decade of pursuing our vision of thriving learners and empowered communities.”
WestEd’s Board of Directors consists of leaders from public and private education, business, and human services sectors. Board members play a critical role in the agency’s leadership and strategic planning. Glass will succeed current WestEd Board Chair Ann O’Brien, a Phoenix City Councilwoman and former Vice Mayor of Phoenix.
“I’m deeply honored to serve as the Chair of the WestEd Board of Directors,” said Glass. “It’s been a privilege to serve on the Board and to be part of challenging and rewarding work with such an exceptional organization. I look forward to engaging with the Board, Jannelle, and staff as WestEd celebrates its 60th anniversary and recommits to promoting excellence, improving learning, and increasing opportunity for all learners and communities.”
Glass resides in Tucson, Arizona. She holds a BA in education from the University of Arizona and an MA in school supervision from Ashland University.