A version of this story also appeared on MySweetCharity on November 3, 2025.
United to Learn Governance Update
United to Learn is proud to welcome our new 2025–2026 Board of Directors and Advisory Council members. Their leadership comes at a pivotal time, just as we’ve extended an invitation to include all Dallas ISD Title I elementary schools in our network. We’ve grown from 103 to 124 partner campuses.
With third-grade Reading STAAR 2025 results showing significant gains across our 103 United to Learn partner schools, there is even more momentum behind our vision: thriving schools where every student can read and succeed.
New Board of Directors Members
- Vickie Allen, Chief Impact Officer, The Dallas Foundation
- Dr. Laura Leathers, Eugene McDermott Head of School, The Hockaday School
- Whitney Fogle Lewis, Chief Legal Officer, U.S., AlTi Global, Inc.
- Alex Sharma, Philanthropist
We extend heartfelt gratitude to retiring Board members Alan Cohen, Margaret J. Hirsch (Past Chair), Jessica Nowitzki, and Patty Leyendecker for their years of service.
New Advisory Council Members
- Hannah Buchanan, Director of Cornerstone, Highland Park United Methodist Church
- Angelica Leveroni Gomez, Senior Program Officer, Education, Schusterman Family Philanthropies
- Morris Herman, Vice President, Goldman Sachs
- Dr. Macario Hernandez, President, Dallas College, Mountain View
- Emily Sanford, Chief Marketing Officer, Sunny; U2L Liaison
We also thank the retiring Advisory Council members, Morgan Spann and Rev. Matthew Tuggle, for their dedication. We celebrate Dr. Laura Leathers and Whitney Fogle Lewis as they transition from the Advisory Council into Board service.
A Word From Our CEO
This year also marks a new chapter in United to Learn’s leadership as Tim Hise steps into the role of CEO, succeeding founder Abigail Williams. Reflecting on the new governance slate, Tim shared, “United to Learn’s Board and Advisory Council represent an extraordinary mix of expertise from education and philanthropy to business and civic leadership. As I begin my tenure as CEO, I am inspired by their commitment to our mission and grateful for their steady guidance and stewardship. Together, we will continue to build on United to Learn’s role as one of Dallas ISD’s most trusted partners, ensuring students and educators thrive.”
See the full FY26 Board of Directors and Advisory Council roster here.