Educational research and development Institute (ERDI) announced that Dr. Jennifer Ferrari has been named its
new full-time President. Prior to joining ERDI, Ferrari served as the
Vice President and Chief Schools Officer of Distinctive Schools, an
innovative non-profit school management organization serving the
communities of Chicago and metro-Detroit.
“As a consulting member of ERDI and most recently as a Senior Advisor, Ferrari is a stand-out
among educational leaders,” said Dr. Joseph Wise, CEO of Education
Research and Development Institute. “We believe her rich background in
education coupled with her personal understanding of the ERDI experience
make her the right person to lead ERDI into the future while honoring
its original mission and beliefs.
Ferrari will be the first full time president to lead ERDI since it was established in 1985 and will
serve under Dr. Joseph Wise, ERDI’s Chief Executive Officer since 2017.
As the VP and Chief Schools Officer of Distinctive Schools, Ferrari led
the organization’s 5 year strategic planning process, supported
principal leadership development, and oversaw the innovative academic
model which has gained national recognition for its success with
personalized learning. She is a strong contributor to the education
transformation movement and has demonstrated real leadership in
cultivating and and scaling innovation.
“I am honored to lead the good work of ERDI and relish the potential to make a greater positive
impact in public education,” said Ferrari. “To work alongside the ERDI
membership, our country’s most talented educators and education
innovators, to solve problems of practice and improve the educational
landscape for children inspires me.”
From 2004-2016, Ferrari held multiple leadership roles in a north suburban district of Chicago. She
has a strong background in curriculum and instruction, dual language
education, student-centered design, and strategic planning.
“We are eager to welcome Jennifer to ERDI in her new capacity” said David
Sundstrom, current ERDI president who will assume the role of Board
chair next month. “She is a dynamic leader with a genuine zeal for
education. Her mission-driven approach and her nuanced expertise will
enhance the important work of ERDI and its ability to influence
education services and products for American schools and their
students.”
