The 6th Annual Urban Education Investment Showcase was held on April 10th. Over 150 philanthropists, educators and community leaders with a deep interest in education attended to hear presentations about a cadre of impressive urban School improvement initiatives. In 2007, participating donors made grants of more than $1 million to featured initiatives. This year, EdVestors aims to direct more than $1.3 million in private investment to accelerate promising school improvement efforts.

Laura Perille, Executive Director

Laura Perille is the executive director of EdVestors. Hired by the founding Governing Board to launch EdVestors in 2002, Laura is a seasoned nonprofit strategist with a passion for improving urban schools for all children. Prior to EdVestors, she led Perille Consulting Group, whose clients included private and public schools, foundations, and a variety of nonprofit organizations engaged in youth programming and education. Previously, she served as Director of Education and Training for Crittenton Hastings House, Policy Analyst for Community Catalyst/Families USA, and Director of Programs for the Greater Boston Food Bank. A graduate of Brown University, Laura is the parent of two students in the Boston Public Schools.

Janet Anderson, Associate Director

Janet Anderson joined EdVestors in 2002, the organization's first year of operations. As Associate Director, Janet oversees the grant review and selection process, while helping to guide EdVestors’ organizational growth. Her areas of expertise include program development, implementation and assessment, as well as nonprofit administration. Prior to joining EdVestors, Janet spent twelve years in a variety of education settings, primarily in higher education with a focus on student support programs and student retention. Janet completed her MBA in nonprofit and public management at Boston University's School of Management. She holds an M.S. in educational administration from Iowa State University and a B.A. from Syracuse University.

Bryan Spence, Director of Philanthropic Services

Bryan Spence joined EdVestors in December 2007. He is responsible for all aspects of philanthropic services and development for the organization. Bryan brings the perspective of a seasoned grant maker to the development function, with over 15 years of experience managing grant making programs at New England Financial and Delta Dental of Massachusetts. An active supporter of the nonprofit sector, he has served on numerous boards including Family Service of Greater Boston, Housing Families Inc., Child Care Resource Center, and Associated Grant Makers, often serving on the Development Committee. Bryan graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in Urban Studies.

Reuben Munger, Chair, Governing Board

Reuben Munger is a Managing Director of The Baupost Group, L.L.C., a $10 billion investment partnership based in Boston. Reuben is involved in nonprofit and political entities related to the environment and education. He serves as Chairman of the Massachusetts Advisory Board of Sand for Children and as Chairman of the Governing Board of EdVestors. Reuben is a magna cum laude graduate of Washington and Lee University with degrees in Politics, Economics, and Business Administration.

Yearly Events

EdVestors hosts the innovative annual Urban Education Investment Showcase each spring, an interactive event where participating donors hear directly from finalists and make individual grantee selections of their choosing. EdVestors also hosts the annual School on the Move Gala each October, presenting the Thomas W. Payzant School on the Move Prize, a $100,000 award to one of Boston's most improving schools.