Kathleen Kennedy Manzo, M.Ed.

Executive Vice President – Education, Labor and Economy

Kathleen recently packed up a decades-long career in journalism to elevate mission-driven organizations and programs in the education, labor, and economy sectors through audience-focused strategic communications. Over the course of three decades, Kathleen earned a national reputation as a leading education journalist, as a staff writer at The Washington Post, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Community College Week and, most recently, as a reporter and long-time managing editor of Education Week.

She has extensive knowledge of education and social policy and a record of success in using compelling storytelling to bring complex issues to diverse audiences. A creative, dynamic writer, editor and content strategist, Kathleen has developed and implemented successful strategies across platforms for an array of high-profile clients, including Discovery Education, Noggin, Attendance Works, Success for All Foundation, Vanderbilt University, Internet Society, ExxonMobil Foundation, Hobsons, and more.

Kathleen has a B.A. in communications from George Mason University and an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia. She started her career as a staff writer and editorial aide for The Washington Post, covering sports, local government, and schools, and was a reporter and editor at Education Week for 22 years. Leaving journalism will always be bittersweet, but Kathleen is helping train the next generation as an adjunct lecturer at The University of Maryland’s Merrill College.

Restful moments are rare with my rambunctious rescue pup.