Leadership Transition at Learning Ally Ahead of 80th Anniversary Celebration

Leadership Change at Learning Ally

As Learning Ally gears up for its impressive 80th anniversary in 2028, the organization has officially announced a pivotal leadership transition within its National Board of Directors. This new phase is marked by the stepping down of Therese Llorente, who has been a guiding force and the Board Chair for 16 years, and the appointment of Dan Koken, a prominent education entrepreneur and current National Board Member, as her successor.

A Legacy of Service

Therese Llorente’s relationship with Learning Ally began from a deeply personal place, motivated by her daughter's diagnosis of dyslexia. Her journey as a parent volunteer led her into the organization, where she forged significant advancements in educational equity. During her tenure, Llorente not only enhanced fundraising efforts but also advocated for organizational innovation that has helped millions of struggling readers nationwide. Her contributions have been instrumental in ensuring that students with reading differences receive the support and resources they need to thrive.

Reflecting on her experience, Llorente shared, “Serving Learning Ally has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I have witnessed our extraordinary impact on families across the country.”

Moving Forward with a New Vision

Incoming Board Chair Dan Koken brings a wealth of expertise and a deeply rooted commitment to educational equity. As the founder and CEO of Denver Test Prep, Koken has been dedicated to providing impactful tutoring and education services to diverse students, ranging across various socioeconomic backgrounds. This breadth of experience positions him to take the helm of Learning Ally during a critical time of growth and expansion.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Koken stated, “I’m honored to step into the role of Board Chair as Learning Ally approaches its 80th birthday. Helping struggling readers succeed is as important today as it has ever been.”