Media Contact: Chloe Heskett, Senior Editor, Writer, and Content Strategist, Center for Effective Philanthropy | 617-395-4092 | chloeh@cep.org
CAMBRIDGE, MA – The Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) today announced the appointment of Aspen Institute executive David McKinney as vice president of YouthTruth. McKinney will lead all aspects of YouthTruth’s work to help schools and districts systematically listen to young people and strategically apply data to improve the outcomes and experiences of their students.
McKinney brings vast experience leading youth- and education-focused nonprofits and engaging students, families, and stakeholders to his role at YouthTruth, which has elevated the voices of 3 million students to date, helping school leaders and education funders make schools places where all youth learn and thrive.
“David McKinney is an incredibly talented and experienced leader with a deep belief that we need to listen and learn from young people if we’re to achieve our hopes of a just and equitable society,” said CEP President Phil Buchanan.
“David understands both the remarkable success YouthTruth has achieved and the enormous potential for it to have more influence for the good,” continued Buchanan. “He emerged from a tremendously talented pool of candidates as someone uniquely positioned to help us realize that potential.”
Prior to overseeing Aspen Institute’s programming to develop young, emerging leaders across the U.S., McKinney served as executive vice president of public affairs with TNTP (formerly The New Teacher Project), where he led the engagement of donors, business, community stakeholders, and the broader public in efforts to build better school experiences for students. Before joining TNTP, McKinney supported a national network of nonprofits as the director of the Center for Engagement and Neighborhood Building at the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities. Prior to that, he led the growth of programming and operations as vice president at Public Allies, a national service and leadership development organization.
“I couldn’t be more humbled and excited to be joining CEP and YouthTruth — particularly during a time where we need more models for how schools, organizations, and systems meaningfully engage the voices, ideas, and brilliance of young people,” said McKinney. “Not only have I seen firsthand how students from all backgrounds truly shine when they feel trusted, affirmed, and fully appreciated, but educators of all backgrounds are increasingly recognizing the fundamental importance of centering students’ voices in the work to improve education”
Originally from Milwaukee, McKinney graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a B.S. in Education Policy.
McKinney will begin his tenure with CEP on November 4, 2025.
About YouthTruth
YouthTruth harnesses student perceptions to help K12 school leaders, school system leaders, and foundation leaders accelerate improvements so all students can learn and thrive. Through our research-based surveys, wraparound support, and tailored advisory services, we partner with schools, districts, states, and funders to enhance learning for all students. For more information on YouthTruth’s work, visit youthtruth.org.
About CEP
The Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide data, feedback, programs, and insights to help individual and institutional donors improve their effectiveness. We do this work because we believe effective donors, working collaboratively and thoughtfully, can profoundly contribute to creating a better and more just world. For more information on CEP’s work, including its research, assessments, advisory services, and programming, visit www.cep.org.
