Matthew Breitfelder Takes Charge of Lumina Foundation Board
In a significant development for the Lumina Foundation, Matthew Breitfelder has been elected as the new chair of the Board of Directors. This role comes after Alisa A. Miller, who has served as chair for a considerable period. With a proven background in leadership and talent strategy, Breitfelder is poised to bring valuable insights to the organization's mission.
Breitfelder currently holds the position of partner and global head of human capital at Apollo Global Management, a leading asset management firm. In this capacity, he spearheads the firm’s human capital strategy, focusing on initiatives designed to attract, develop, and retain top talent. His extensive experience includes shaping organizational culture and strategizing workforce management in high-performance environments.
In addition to his role at Apollo, he played a pivotal part in creating the Apollo Opportunity Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing economic and educational opportunities, particularly for underserved communities. This initiative aims at bridging the gap for students transitioning from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) into careers within alternative investing, showcasing his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.
Breitfelder's journey with Lumina Foundation started in 2018, where he served on the board and contributed to various initiatives aimed at improving post-secondary education. His understanding of the urgent need for degrees and beyond, which provide tangible value to individuals and enhance national prosperity, resonates deeply with the foundation’s goals.
Jamie Merisotis, the president, and CEO of Lumina Foundation, commended Breitfelder's appointment, stating, "Matt's deep expertise in global talent strategy and workforce innovation makes him an exceptional fit to guide Lumina's board." Merisotis highlighted the organization's continued commitment to ensuring that higher education is accessible, meaningful, and aligned with the responsibilities of a global economy.
Breitfelder’s academic qualifications include a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Southern California, a master's from the London School of Economics, and an MBA from the prestigious Harvard Business School. These credentials underscore his readiness to lead the foundation’s efforts in transforming the higher education landscape.
Lumina Foundation operates as a private, independent entity based in Indianapolis, with a mission to expand access to learning beyond high school. The foundation envisions a higher education system that is straightforward to navigate and delivers equitable outcomes, prepared to meet the evolving talent demands of various industries.
As Breitfelder steps into this vital role, stakeholders and partners will undoubtedly watch closely as he navigates the complex challenges and opportunities the organization faces. His leadership could signal a new direction filled with innovative strategies that align with the foundation's vision for a more inclusive and effective educational framework.
For further details about the initiatives and leadership of Lumina Foundation, visit
luminafoundation.org.