Glen Harvey, who has led WestEd for more than a quarter century, has announced she is stepping down as CEO. Under her leadership, WestEd established itself as one of the nation’s premier nonpartisan research, development, and service organizations working to promote excellence, achieve equity, and improve learning for children, youth, and adults. 

The organization will begin a search for a new CEO in the next few months. Harvey will continue to serve in her role until her successor is in place and prepared to assume leadership of WestEd. 

Under Harvey’s leadership, WestEd has grown to more than 950 full-time staff who are based in 13 offices nationwide and generate annual revenue of more than $211 million. To meet the diverse needs of WestEd’s clients and their communities, Harvey has concentrated on expanding and deepening full-service work – launching high profile projects, publishing rigorous research studies, and providing valuable technical assistance and professional learning. WestEd has received recognition as among the best in its class for its work in research, development, and service.  

 “Glen’s laser-like focus on ensuring that WestEd delivers the highest quality research-based work and uses a cross-disciplinary approach to improving education and fostering human development has made WestEd the highly respected and sought-after research and service organization that it is today,” said WestEd Board Chair Ken Coll. “She also has ensured that every single member of the staff is fully committed to improving education and fostering human development from infancy to adulthood. Her efforts in growing WestEd’s footprint and engaging the WestEd Board in these efforts can only be described as exemplary. Glen will be greatly missed and we are honored to carry on her legacy.” 

During her tenure, WestEd has become a leading organization working to achieve equity in education with a focus on the whole child, whole family, and whole community. Harvey also oversaw research and development projects that supported equitable student outcomes and increased WestEd’s research into and development of interventions that serve high needs students and communities, such as students with disabilities, English Learners, Indigenous students, and students in rural areas and living in poverty.  

In a note to WestEd staff, Harvey said, “It is an honor to be part of such a high impact, mission-driven organization, representing an amazing group of experienced, talented experts, all committed to making a positive difference for children and youth and for the adults who support them. We have accomplished an enormous amount together, and I am eager to make the most of my last year at WestEd, increasing our impact in the field and within WestEd’s professional community.”