#USA #Durham, NC #MetaMetrics #Nadja Young #Chris Minnich

MetaMetrics: Embracing a New Era of Growth with Leadership Changes

In a significant shift geared towards expanding its global influence, MetaMetrics®, a leader in literacy and numeracy measurements, has announced the appointment of Nadja Young as their inaugural Chief Brand Officer as of December 2025. This strategic move comes at the heels of Chris Minnich, appointed CEO in October, ushering in a promising chapter for the 35-year-old company. Together, they aim to leverage their extensive experience to propel the company forward in the evolving fields of education and assessment.

Nadja Young, a seasoned figure in the education sector, brings with her a wealth of experience accumulated over two decades, notably from her previous role at SAS, a leading data analytics firm. There, she directed the U.S. Education Practice and provided vital insights and solutions across government agencies and education systems. This background equips her uniquely to strengthen MetaMetrics’ brand while working to shape its vision within an ever-evolving educational landscape.

Chris Minnich expressed high regard for Young's capabilities, emphasizing her strategic leadership and deep understanding of the education technology arena, which he believes will be crucial in guiding MetaMetrics' next phase of growth. He stated that her experiences with data, policy, and innovation will effectively contribute to better outcomes for students.

As Chief Brand Officer, Young will be responsible for overseeing marketing, communication, and government relations, driving brand awareness through strategic partnerships and engagements. This involves closely working with policymakers and educational agencies to enhance MetaMetrics' mission of providing universal measures that set standards for teaching and learning, thereby improving educational outcomes in both reading and mathematics.

Young expressed her excitement in joining MetaMetrics during this pivotal moment, citing Minnich’s leadership as a decisive factor in her decision. She noted the importance of Lexile and Quantile measures enhancing educational stability and guidance, especially amidst rapidly shifting education standards and expectations. Young aims to strengthen MetaMetrics' presence while also boosting its impact on partners who rely on these measures daily.

This leadership transition signals MetaMetrics' commitment to advancing in new avenues like career readiness, AI-driven educational insights, and global assessment frameworks. As part of its ongoing mission, the team will work collectively to expand the reach of MetaMetrics, thereby enhancing its offerings and ensuring its position as the standard for educational measurement.

About MetaMetrics:
MetaMetrics has long been recognized for its pioneering frameworks—Lexile® for Reading and Quantile® for Mathematics—which connect students’ abilities to the complexity of the material they engage with. These frameworks serve millions globally, fundamentally shifting how assessment and personalized learning is approached in education. The organization emphasizes a research-backed, actionable approach, promising educators, policymakers, and students alike that its measures will inspire lifelong learning and career opportunities.