Accelerate Institute

The Accelerate Institute Team

We achieve so much more when we work together toward a common goal.

Accelerate Institute Staff and Coaches

  • Dr. Catherine Burns

    President/Chief Academic Officer

    Dr. Burns is committed to guiding Accelerate Institute’s passionate, all women team of educational experts in designing and...

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  • Erin Brooks

    Vice President, Partnerships

    Erin is responsible for facilitating mission-aligned expansion efforts and partnerships with schools, districts, and other organizations across the...

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  • Erica Eichleay

    Senior Director, Learning and Leadership Development

    Erica began her work with Accelerate Institute in 2006 supporting leadership development through programs like the Principal Fellowship...

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  • Keelin Philippe

    Senior Director, Learning and Leadership Development

    Keelin has played a key role in program innovation by leading the creation of the Leadership Academy, as...

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  • Erin Gilmore

    Senior Director, Learning and Leadership Development

    Erin served the University of Chicago Charter School network for over 9 years, eventually becoming principal of the...

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  • Kate Pillai

    Senior Director, Finance and Operations

    During her tenure, Kate has applied her resourcefulness, strategic thinking, empathy, and passion for educational equity to advance...

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  • Velia Soto

    Senior Director, Learning and Leadership Development

    Velia began her career in education as a bilingual/dual immersion kindergarten teacher in Chicago Public Schools.

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Accelerate Institute Board of Directors

Pat Ryan, Jr.

Founder, Chairman of the Board

Pat is a three-time social and two-time technology entrepreneur who has founded two companies that were recognized by Inc. Magazine as being among the fastest growing software companies in the United States in its annual Inc. 500 rankings.

  • Joe Scoby

    Principal of Scoby Investments LLC
  • Muneer Satter

    Founder and Chairman, Satter Investment Management
  • Robert Ryan

    Executive Chairman, Interactive Metronome
  • Lydia Ryan

  • Gregory K. Jones

    Chief Operating Officer, The Edgewater Funds
  • Larry W. Gies

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Madison Industries

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Accelerate Institute

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