Mike Taylor stepping down as CEO of HEF

Mike Taylor will be stepping down as CEO of Henrico Education Foundation (HEF), effective December 30, 2022. Mike was recently named the new CEO of the Knox Education Foundation in Knoxville, Tennessee, which will enable him to care for his elderly parents. Mike is an East Tennessee native and a graduate of the University of Tennessee—Knoxville. Prior to joining HEF in 2014, Mike served six years as Executive Director of the Mountain Education Foundation in Signal Mountain, Tennessee.

During his tenure with HEF, Mike led the foundation through a strategic planning period to reestablish the organization’s vision and programs. As a result, HEF increased fundraising and revenues by more than 1000%. His work at HEF focused on transforming public education through the expansion of best practices, creation of innovation in the classroom, and development of research-based solutions that bring a continuous improvement approach to addressing the challenges facing public schools. Mike’s leadership and partnership building skills over the past eight years leave HEF in a strong position moving forward. He will be greatly missed by the HEF Board of Directors and staff, employees of Henrico County Public Schools, and the greater Richmond community.

The Executive Committee of the HEF Board of Directors has appointed Robin Rowland, Executive Director Early Learning Programs, and Jay Shively, Chief Development Officer, as Interim Co-CEOs, effective December 23, 2022. Robin and Jay bring a wealth of experience to help guide the foundation during the leadership transition. The HEF Board of Directors will launch a national search beginning in 2023 to name a permanent CEO.

Join us in thanking Mike for his tireless dedication and his many contributions to HEF. All of us at HEF wish Mike and his family the very best and look forward to continuing to collaborate with him through his role on the National Association of Education Foundations Board of Directors.