WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the Coalition for Educational Success —a coalition of more than 70 career colleges across the United States, serving more than 350,000 students at 478 campuses in 41 states— announced that Penny Lee will assume the role of Managing Director.
Ms. Lee will work with Coalition Co-Chairs Avy Stein and Lincoln Frank to oversee and implement the Coalition’s policy, advocacy and communications goals. Ms. Lee is a seasoned political communications and government relations strategist, currently serving as President of Venn Strategies, LLC – a leading Washington, DC based government relations and public affairs firm. Previously, she served as top communications and political advisor to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Prior to serving in that post, Ms. Lee was the Executive Director of the Democratic Governors Association. Before serving in that position, she was communications director for Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell. She has also been a member of the senior staff of the Democratic National Committee and a private consultant to charitable and Democratic party interests.
“As the Coalition works to ensure wider access to higher education for our nation’s college-bound youth and expand opportunities for all students —particularly minority, veterans and those who balance full-time parenting and work— Penny brings critical expertise to the table,” said Coalition Co-Chairs Avy Stein and Lincoln Frank. “Her considerable experience will be an asset to protecting opportunities for the millions of students who enroll in career colleges each year, seeking new knowledge and skills as a path to new jobs, career advancement and higher earnings.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining in the Coalition’s efforts to improve public understanding of the critical role that career colleges and universities play in higher education and the workforce,” said Ms. Lee. “There is much work to be done in ensuring that government policies support wider access to higher education, and I look forward to representing the hundreds of thousands of students who deserve a voice in Washington.”
In addition to her extensive background, Ms. Lee is a regular commentator on the political process, campaigns and elections, she has been quoted extensively in the New York Times, Washington Post, National Journal, Bloomberg, Rollcall, Politico and local publications. Ms. Lee appears as an analyst on MSNBC, FOX News Channel, FOX Business Channel, ABC News Now, and CNN.
The Coalition for Educational Success
The Coalition for Educational Success includes many of the nation's leading career colleges, serving more than 350,000 students at 478 campuses in 41 states. Career colleges provide training for students in 17 of the 20 fastest growing fields. The Coalition advocates for policies that support wider access to higher education, particularly for non-traditional students including full-time workers, workforce returners, working parents, minorities and veterans.