One Million Degrees Enhances Leadership Team for Nationwide Impact on Student Success

Strengthening Leadership for Student Success

In a dynamic educational landscape, One Million Degrees (OMD) is poised for significant growth with the recent appointments of Tiffany Gholston as the Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff, and Joel Pomerenk as the Chief Finance and Operations Officer. These strategic appointments mark a pivotal moment for OMD, a nonprofit dedicated to improving community college completion rates, as they prepare to expand their services both statewide and nationally.

Founded in 2006, One Million Degrees has established itself as a leader in providing critical support for community college students. The organization has developed a comprehensive, research-backed model that equips students with the resources they need to succeed academically and professionally. With the backing of successful studies from institutions like the University of Chicago's Inclusive Economy Lab, OMD has shown that its scholars are 73% more likely to complete their degrees within three years compared to peers without such support.

The leadership team, under CEO Dr. Aarti Dhupelia, recognizes the urgent need to enhance its infrastructure and programming. "In a moment when community colleges are being asked to meet unprecedented student needs, we are focused on strengthening our infrastructure and leadership to support growth across Illinois and nationally," she states.

Tiffany Gholston, with nearly two decades of experience across information technology, consulting, and education, steps in from her role as Chief of Staff for OneGoal, another nonprofit focusing on postsecondary education. Her background includes significant positions at National Louis University and Chicago Public Schools, making her uniquely equipped to drive OMD's strategic initiatives. As Chief Strategy Officer, Gholston's responsibilities will include guiding the organization's strategic planning and implementation of programs designed to broaden OMD's impact.

Meanwhile, Joel Pomerenk brings three decades of financial expertise from both the nonprofit and corporate sectors, including leadership positions at Cara Collective and Adler University. His extensive experience will be vital as he oversees OMD's financial strategy during this critical growth phase. Pomerenk’s role involves ensuring organizational stability and efficiency, which are crucial as OMD aims to increase its annual outreach from 2,000 students to over 3,000 by 2026 through partnerships with local community colleges.

OMD operates by providing holistic wraparound support, including academic coaching, financial aid, and career services, empowering students to persist in their programs and transition into the workforce successfully. To achieve its mission, OMD collaborates closely with state partners and employers, thereby building pathways into high-demand jobs for its scholars.

Tiffany Gholston highlights the necessity of strong leadership during these transformative times, stating, "The breadth of experience that both Joel and I bring will bolster OMD's ability to not only sustain its impact regionally but also to expand its influence through national partnerships."

As One Million Degrees explores new horizons, the combined expertise of its new leaders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of community college support, ultimately fostering economic mobility and long-term success for thousands of students. With an expanded leadership framework in place, OMD is well-equipped to rise to the challenges presented by an evolving educational landscape and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of its scholars.

For more information about One Million Degrees and its initiatives, please visit One Million Degrees.