Washington, D.C. (October 23, 2024)—The NEA Foundation has appointed three new members to its Board of Directors, each bringing a unique and invaluable perspective to the Foundation.
Arthur G. Affleck, III, M.Ed., JD, is a widely recognized thought leader in the nonprofit sector with a passion for educational excellence and equity and an extensive record of related accomplishments. As executive director of the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), Affleck has led ACM to new levels of activity, visibility, and impact. In addition to advancing museums’ diversity, accessibility, and inclusion, and building a culture of philanthropy, he has led efforts to expand the role of museums in the P-12 education ecosystem. He is an author and serves on several nonprofit boards, including the International Council of Museums, the Crystal Bridges American Art Museum’s Windgate Advisory Board, and the Board of Playful Learning Landscapes. Affleck earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Tuskegee University, a Master of Administration & Supervision of Higher Education from Auburn University, a Juris Doctor degree from the American University-Washington College of Law, and a certificate from the Institute for Educational Management at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
“Joining The NEA Foundation’s Board of Directors is deeply meaningful to me,” said Affleck. “As someone who has spent my career investing in the wellbeing and education of children, I am delighted and humbled to have the opportunity to sit on the Foundation’s board and contribute to its investment in educators.”
Marc Moorghen has held prominent roles in communications, education, and events management across Europe, Asia, and the United States, providing him with a unique global perspective. He currently serves as vice president of marketing communications at Lever for Change, a nonprofit affiliate of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. In this role, Moorghen creates strategies that connect donors with bold solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges, including racial inequity, gender inequality, economic opportunity, and climate change. Moorghen is an active member of the Communications Network, a professional network of foundation and nonprofit leaders dedicated to strategic communications for good. Previously, he served as a board member of Invisible People, a nonprofit organization that educates the public about homelessness through storytelling, educational resources, and advocacy. Moorghen holds an undergraduate degree in Contemporary European Studies from Southampton University in the U.K. and a Master of European Studies from the University of Leuven in Belgium. He also earned a Master of Communication Management degree from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
“The NEA Foundation’s vision that every child should have access to a high-quality public education is one that I feel extremely passionately about,” said Moorghen. “As the proud spouse of a lifelong public educator, I believe that investing in educators is the key to building a brighter future. I am thrilled to be appointed to the board of directors to support the Foundation’s valuable mission.”
Dr. Cicely Woodard is a celebrated teacher leader who has taught secondary mathematics since 2003. While she currently teaches high school mathematics in Springfield, Missouri, she has spent most of her teaching career in Tennessee. Woodard’s approach to teaching focuses on empowering students to face life’s challenges with confidence using math skills, and her passion for teaching math through relevant, real-world contexts is evident in her students’ critical thinking and engagement. Woodard has advocated for the teaching profession and informed education policy from the district to the national level. She has received a number of awards and honors, including the 2017 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the 2018 Tennessee Teacher of the Year Award, and the 2019 NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence. Woodard was a 2022 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow and is currently serving a fellowship year with the Curriculum Catalyst Fellowship. She has also served as chair of The NEAF Advisors. Woodard earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Memphis, a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Education in Leading Organizations and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University.
“I am incredibly honored to be appointed to The NEA Foundation’s Board of Directors,” said Woodard. “Through the years of my involvement with the Foundation, I have experienced and witnessed the impact of its programs on educators and students, and I am beyond excited to work alongside so many committed leaders to serve educators and public education.”
“These three distinguished leaders come from different walks of life, yet are united by their shared commitment to education justice, equity, excellence, and opportunity, said President and CEO of The NEA Foundation Sara A. Sneed. “I could not be more delighted than to have Arthur G. Affleck, Marc Moorghen, and Cicely Woodard join The NEA Foundation’s Board of Directors, where their diverse backgrounds and tremendous expertise will help inform the Foundation’s leadership and strategy to advance the best in public education.”
To learn more about The NEA Foundation, visit www.neafoundation.org.
