ERS Team

Karen Silverman

Director of Communications & Partnerships

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Karen directs ERS’ Communications & Partnerships team, which is responsible for sharing the insights mined from our deep partnerships with school systems with the broader field—including school, district, and state leaders as well as philanthropists and the media. This work includes creating a compelling vision of strategic systems that support strong schools, catalyzing action through storytelling, and leveraging our comparative database to release tools and research that build new knowledge. She leads the organization’s strategy in the areas of messaging, publications, audience research, distribution, fundraising, and partnership development.

Before joining ERS, Karen was senior vice president for campaigns at 50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now, an education advocacy non-profit dedicated to ensuring a high-quality education for all kids, regardless of address. At 50CAN she ran the national policy, research, and communications team to push for education policy change in states across the country. Karen moved to 50CAN from ConnCAN: The Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now, where she served as communications director. She also worked in communications for the Save Darfur Coalition in Washington, D.C., and as a journalist for Government Executive Magazine.

Outside of work, Karen happily dedicates most of her time to her family: her husband Robbie and their three young kids, Micah, Kayla, and Lucy. You can find them biking on the nearby Charles River path and eating dinner at their red picnic table in the backyard. She also loves keeping in touch with old friends and visiting her native Pacific Northwest.