Our Staff
Betsy Brand has served as Director of AYPF since 2004, after joining the organization as Co-Director in 1998. As Director, Ms. Brand oversees the projects and staff of AYPF and specializes in high school reform, career preparation, and college access and success. Ms. Brand’s education policy career started when she served as a Legislative Associate for the House Committee on Education and Labor from 1977 to 1983. She subsequently served with Senator Dan Quayle as a Professional Staff Member on the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee from 1983 to 1989, where she handled all federal education and training legislation. In 1989, Ms. Brand was appointed Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education, under President George H.W. Bush. From 1993 to 1998, Ms. Brand operated a consulting firm, Workforce Futures, Inc., focusing on policy and best practices affecting education and workforce preparation.
A leader in her field, Ms. Brand currently chairs the Center for Occupational Research and Development, the National Child Labor Committee Board of Directors, and the National High School Alliance Steering Committee. She serves on multiple boards and advisory committees, including those of the Alliance for Excellent Education and the National College Access Network.