Experts in Education and Workforce Add Essential Perspectives to Existing Leaders

Project Evident is proud to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors, Scott Jenkins of Trillium Insights and Garrett Warfield of the National Recreation and Park Association. The Board, which includes experts across technology, strategy, and executive leadership, is committed to the effective use of data and evidence for practitioners. The thoughtfully selected members will systematically guide the organization’s work and bring essential perspectives on its growth and sound governance. 

Scott Jenkins, Founder of Trillium Insights, brings more than 25 years of expertise advancing federal and state policies aimed at fostering student success. A thought leader in education and workforce, Jenkins has held previous roles as Strategy Director for State Policy at the Lumina Foundation and Program Director for the National Governors Association. Currently, he is an emeritus member of the Board of Trustees at Illinois State University and sits on the Board for the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. With a strong background in guiding and advising state government leaders, educational institutions, foundations, and nonprofits, Jenkins is a rigorous thinker aligned with Project Evident’s mission and strategic priorities. 

“This is a pivotal time for the social sector, especially in the areas of education and workforce,” said Jenkins. “I’m eager to bring my experience working alongside state education agencies, policymakers, and practitioners to expand the organization’s network and reach, while keeping evidence-based practice central to Project Evident’s path forward.”

Dr. Garrett Warfield, Chief Research and Impact Officer of the National Recreation and Park Association, has more than 20 years of experience using research, evaluation, and data science to help nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, and government agencies flourish. His previous roles include Chief Research Officer at Year Up United and Knowledge and Impact Manager at The Boston Foundation. Warfield is a member of the Leap Ambassadors Community, the evaluation advisory board for The Possible Zone, and the advisory committee for Results for America’s What Works State Standard of Excellence, showcasing his commitment to service. Aligned with Project Evident’s strategic vision, he has been integrated into the organization’s work, having served as a Steering Committee member for the inaugural Evidence Pipeline Accelerator, a pilot made possible by Arnold Ventures, and as a coauthor of the July 2021 Actionable Evidence case study. Warfield’s practical and deliberate approach will help guide Project Evident’s dedication to strategic partnerships and practitioner engagement. 

“Working at the intersection of research and practice has given me a front row seat to just how powerful evidence becomes when it’s truly actionable for practitioners,” shared Warfield. “I’m deeply aligned with Project Evident’s commitment to helping practitioners access the full potential of data, evidence, and technology, and excited to work together to advance the next generation of evidence.” 

“Bringing Scott and Garrett to the board will ensure that Project Evident is well-positioned to meet the current moment, where data, evidence, and technology have never been more essential, especially as education and economic mobility take center stage,” said Kelly Fitzsimmons, CEO of Project Evident. “Their expertise, coupled with the collective leadership of our existing board members, gives us exactly what we need to propel the organization into 2026 and beyond. I’m honored to welcome them to the Board of Directors.”

Project Evident’s Board of Directors meets quarterly and plays a critical role in setting the organization’s strategic direction and priorities.