#USA #Durham, NC #MetaMetrics #Lexile #Quantile

MetaMetrics Appoints Chris Minnich as Chief Executive Officer

On October 6, 2025, MetaMetrics®, known for developing the widely used Lexile® Framework for Reading and the Quantile® Framework for Mathematics, officially appointed Chris Minnich as its new Chief Executive Officer. He steps into this role with the objective of steering the company towards a promising future and continuing its mission to create universal scales that connect reading and math proficiency with related content in a unified educational framework.

A New Era of Leadership

Chris Minnich brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to MetaMetrics, having dedicated his career to enhancing educational standards and assessments. Starting at the Oregon Department of Education, he successfully led the transition to online assessments, a significant move towards modernizing the state's educational system. His journey didn't stop there; he served as the Executive Director of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and played a pivotal role in significant legislative milestones, including the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015.

Malbert Smith, Ph.D., Founder and Chairman of the Board, expressed his enthusiasm about Minnich's appointment: "Chris is a mission-driven leader whose vision, deep commitment to student success, and track record of navigating organizations through transformative growth make him an ideal fit for MetaMetrics. I’m confident he will drive us toward continued innovation and impact."

Minnich's extensive background includes a transformative stint as CEO of NWEA, where he shifted the organization’s focus to a service-driven assessment leader, enhancing student outcomes. His leadership allowed the company to successfully navigate an acquisition by HMH, where he took on an executive role emphasizing growth and innovation.

A Vision for the Future

In his own words, Minnich remarked, "I’m honored to join MetaMetrics at such a significant time in its history. The frameworks provided by this organization have fundamentally transformed our understanding of literacy and numeracy education. I look forward to collaborating with the team at MetaMetrics to build on this legacy and expand our partnerships. It is vital that we secure opportunities for every learner to thrive in their education and future endeavors."

Chris Minnich holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Washington, Seattle, and a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park. His academic credentials complement his professional experience, equipping him to lead MetaMetrics effectively.

With Minnich at the helm, MetaMetrics is positioned to accelerate its mission of integrating assessment with growth opportunities, ensuring that educators, students, families, and partners can access meaningful insights essential for future readiness. MetaMetrics has built its reputation as the global standard for measuring literacy and numeracy, with its frameworks making learning more personalized and adaptable for millions of students and educators worldwide.

About MetaMetrics

MetaMetrics has spent over 40 years providing research-driven, actionable metrics that help shape educational outcomes. Their Lexile® and Quantile® Frameworks allow for a detailed connection between students' reading and math abilities and the complexity of educational content. As they move forward under Chris Minnich's leadership, the company aims to continue leveraging advanced learning models and innovate solutions that unite educators and learners in their educational journeys.

From early literacy to career-focused learning, MetaMetrics is committed to inspiring engagement and building essential skills for a brighter future. For more information about their mission and offerings, visit MetaMetrics.com.