Nicole Russell
Executive Director
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Nicole serves as NAFIS Executive Director, overseeing the strategic direction and daily operations of the organization. She has experience on Capitol Hill and in federal lobbying, corporate communications and nonprofit government relations, specializing in education policy. She started her career as a federal lobbyist representing cities, counties, and school districts across the United States. An active-duty Marine spouse, Nicole has served in leadership roles on several military nonprofit organizations in Washington, DC and Okinawa, Japan.
Anne O’Brien
Director, Communications
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Anne oversees NAFIS communications, branding and messaging to external audiences and NAFIS members; works on NAFIS membership recruitment, renewal, and engagement strategy; and manages the activities of the Federally Impacted Schools Education Foundation (FISEF). She came to NAFIS from the Learning First Alliance, where she served 10 years, ending her tenure as Deputy Director. She comes at her work from a classroom perspective, beginning her career as a high school science teacher.
Jayson Schimmenti
Director, Policy & Advocacy
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Jayson leads NAFIS policy and regulatory work with Congress and the Administration, manages the organization’s grassroots efforts and builds relationships with key stakeholder organizations and coalitions. He brings nearly a decade of experience as a lobbyist and policy staffer on Capitol Hill to this role. He most recently served as D.C. Executive Director for Duane Morris Government Strategies, managing federal policy priorities for various clients. Before that, Jayson worked as a congressional staffer for six years.
Angela DiLeo
Assistant, Policy & Communications
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Angela manages the federal outreach action center, conducts research on timely educational issues and optimizes member engagement. She works directly with NAFIS State Chairs to ensure the NAFIS membership’s voice is present in daily activities. She is the lead on organizational and technological needs for the organization and assists with all facets of conference planning and execution. Angela represents NAFIS as she travels, assisting with FISEF workshops across the country.