Vicki Phillips

Vicki Phillips serves as chief executive officer of the National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE), a position she assumed in 2022. In this role, she leads efforts to bridge education and economic demands by supporting states, districts and schools in designing innovative, evidence-based systems that prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world shaped by technological advances and global shifts.

A lifelong advocate for young people and the educators who guide them, Phillips began her career as a teacher before advancing through roles in district leadership, state policymaking and nonprofit executive positions. She served as superintendent in a Kentucky school district and as chief state school officer. She later held senior leadership roles at prominent organizations, including director of education and chief education officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she championed data-driven reforms and educator support. She also served as executive vice president and chief education officer at National Geographic Education, focusing on engaging educator voices and amplifying innovative practices.

Throughout her career, Phillips has emphasized system-level transformation, student agency, career-aligned learning, collective leadership and redefining success beyond traditional metrics. She frequently contributes commentary on education trends, including as a Forbes contributor, and maintains an active presence on social media as a champion of lifelong learning and the promise of youth. Her work continues to focus on adaptive, real-world education approaches amid challenges such as artificial intelligence and evolving workforce needs.