Overview
Meghan McBride brings over 20 years of experience in education, specializing in program design, policy, and workforce alignment to expand opportunity for adult learners. As Senior Program Manager at WestEd, she partners with practitioners and system leaders to apply data, research, and evidence-based strategies that drive meaningful change. Rooted in her “why” to improve economic mobility, McBride helps clients create learner-centered programs that remove barriers and build clear pathways to family-sustaining careers.
McBride leads the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) Technical Assistance Project, supporting 71 consortia statewide. She oversees professional development, strategic planning, and data capacity building to help local leaders expand access and improve outcomes for adult learners. Her work has resulted in stronger use of regional data, more effective implementation of programs, and improved 3-year planning. McBride’s efforts help ensure adult education programs are responsive to labor market needs and designed to increase credential attainment, transitions to postsecondary, and economic mobility for underrepresented learners.
Before joining WestEd, McBride served as Vice President for Adult Education at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, overseeing a comprehensive program serving thousands of learners in English as a second language (ESL), high school equivalency, and workforce training classes. She led system-level improvements, strengthened partnerships with employers, and secured funding to expand access and support services. This role deepened her commitment to removing barriers and building meaningful pathways to economic mobility. That same purpose now drives her work at WestEd, where she supports educators and leaders to design responsive, learner-centered adult education systems across California and beyond.
Education
- EdD in curriculum and instruction, Valdosta State University
- MA in history, Valdosta State University
- BS in education, Valdosta State University
Honors, Awards, and Affiliations
Member, Board of Directors, National Coalition for Literacy (2025–present)
Alumni Advisor, Board of Directors, Coalition on Adult Basic Education (2021–23)
Member, Advisory Board, Georgia Partnership for Adult Education and Research (2019–24)
Member, Board of Directors, WorkSource DeKalb (2018–24)
Panelist, Engage Summit, “Postsecondary Education, Adult Literacy, and Workforce Panelist, Senate Adult Literacy Caucus Launch, Washington, DC (2023)
Preparedness Panel,” Washington, DC (2023)
Panelist, US congressional briefing, “Adult Education: A Catalyst for American Growth and Recovery,” Washington, DC (2021)