FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BOSTON, Mass—February 4, 2016 – Citizen Schools’ National Board Chair, Lawrence H. Summers, announced today that the board has unanimously selected Emily Buxton McCann as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer. McCann, who has served as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Office and President over her 13 year tenure at Citizen Schools, will assume her new role effective immediately. McCann succeeds Steven M. Rothstein, who, as CEO, led the organization through the leadership transition from Co-Founder Eric Schwarz. Rothstein will continue to serve as a senior advisor to Citizen Schools.

“I am deeply appreciative of Steven’s hard work, innovation and leadership,” Summers said. ”While at Citizen Schools, he played a critical role in expanding the number of students served, improving our financial model, raising our profile in the national discussion of educational policy and attracting strong partners. We look forward to Steven continuing his work as a senior advisor to our organization."

“I am humbled by the board's appointment and the opportunity to lead the next phase of Citizen Schools' efforts to reimagine middle school learning in this country,” said McCann. During her tenure, Citizen Schools has tripled in size and has expanded from a boutique after-school program in Boston to serve students across seven states in 12 districts. McCann has been instrumental in launching new regions, building the organization’s infrastructure and regional support structure, and overseeing growth strategy, business planning, and financial management.

“As we work to close the opportunity and achievement gap for middle school youth, the board and our staff are excited to embark on Citizen Schools’ next chapter with Emily’s leadership,” continued Summers. “She is uniquely suited to assume this role given her experience, character and deep understanding of Citizen Schools’ students and partners.”

“Our mission of providing quality education to under-served students is both inspiring and uniquely worthy,” shared Rothstein. “I am proud of the work we have done to write the newest chapter of Citizen Schools, but have decided it is best that I transition from the CEO role and I am confident the organization will be in excellent hands with McCann at the helm.”

Prior to joining Citizen Schools, McCann led business planning and development at the Walt Disney Company and served as an analyst in Mergers and Acquisitions at J.P. Morgan. She serves on several national non-profit boards including Teach Plus and Good Sports. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. A seven-time marathoner, McCann lives in Needham, Mass. with her husband Sean, a secondary school history teacher, coach and admissions officer and their four children.

“Steven has helped navigate the organization through the challenges of transition and I am thankful for his energy and his commitment to our mission,” said Co-Founder and former CEO Eric Schwarz. “I am confident that Citizen Schools’ best days lie ahead. Emily is a seasoned, strategic leader whose passion for educational equity and expertise will position Citizen Schools as a leader in serving middle school students.”

Media Contact:  Matt Ellis Ellis Strategies, Inc. matt@ellisstrategies.com | 617-278-6560

About Citizen Schools Citizen Schools is a national nonprofit organization that partners with middle schools to expand the learning day for children in low-income communities. Citizen Schools mobilizes a team of AmeriCorps educators and volunteer “Citizen Teachers” to teach real-world learning projects and provide academic support in order to help all students discover and achieve their dreams. For more information, please visit http://www.citizenschools.org/

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