Ross Wiener

Ross Wiener is a prominent educational leader currently serving as the Vice President and Executive Director of the Education & Society Program at the Aspen Institute, a position he has held since May 2009. In this role, he is responsible for designing and facilitating professional learning and applied leadership development for senior staff in Congress, state commissioners, superintendents, advocates, scholars, and philanthropy leaders.124

Background and Experience

• Previous Roles: Before his tenure at the Aspen Institute, Wiener worked at the Education Trust from 2002 to 2009, where he served as policy director and later as vice president for program and policy. His work there focused on closing opportunity and achievement gaps in education.12
• Legal Experience: Earlier in his career, Ross was a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice in the Civil Rights Division, specifically in the Educational Opportunities Section. He also clerked for a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.12

Education

Ross Wiener holds a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned his law degree with high honors from George Washington University Law School.12

Contributions

Wiener is recognized as a national expert in education policy, frequently advising policymakers and testifying before legislative bodies. He has contributed thought leadership articles to major publications such as The Washington Post, USA Today, and CNN.com.23 Additionally, he serves on various boards, including the NEA Foundation, and is a founding board member of organizations like Teaching Lab and the Danielson Group.12