Gene Pinkard is a director at the Aspen Institute Education & Society Program. In March 2025, he will become the president of Instruction Partners, managing the internal operations and service delivery of a national nonprofit with a mission to strengthen instructional leadership in schools, school systems, and states to ensure teachers have the support they need to improve outcomes for students—with attention to students of color, students experiencing poverty, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities. Gene’s career has focused on creating better opportunities for students to thrive. At Aspen, he leads a team that convenes and supports education leaders across the nation and develops resources and guidance for the sector. In DC Public Schools, Gene served as a cabinet member and principal supervisor, where his teams led transformation initiatives including school turnaround, programs for young men and educators of color, and school innovation.

Previously, he was a principal for nine years, first turning around an alternative charter high school and later leading a dual language elementary school, earning recognition for achievements at both. Gene began his education career as a teacher in rural South Africa before returning to public and private schools in the States. His teams’ efforts have garnered coverage in Ed Week, The 74, The Hechinger Report, and USA Today. Gene serves as vice chair of the board of the Folger Shakespeare Library, on the boards of Trinity University, School Leader Lab, and multiple advisory boards. He holds a bachelor’s degree in government and theology from Georgetown University and a master’s in school administration from Trinity University. A Buffalo Bills fan by birth, he now lives in Maryland with his wife, cats, dogs, and three boys who traipse in and out of the house at varying frequencies.