Board Search Committee Selects Respected Educator Following National Search, Making History as the First Black Woman to Hold the Role.

The Junior Achievement of Greater Washington (JA) Board Search Committee unanimously selects respected leader and veteran educator Monica Goldson, Ed.D., as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective December 2, 2024, marking a bold new direction for the organization.

Goldson’s journey is rooted in the community and an unwavering commitment to a thriving Greater Washington region. A palpable passion for young people has defined her career, coupled with her innovative and visionary leadership. Beginning as a mathematics teacher at Suitland High School, she rose to CEO of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), a $2.4 billion enterprise and the 20th largest school district in the nation. Goldson garnered national acclaim, notably from The College Board, for her success in significantly raising Advanced Placement exam pass rates across the County.

"Dr. Goldson is no stranger to Junior Achievement, and her distinguished career, spanning the highest levels of educational leadership, makes her the ideal choice to guide JA into its next phase of growth," said Kevin P. Smithson, Chair of the Greater Washington Junior Achievement Board of Directors. "Her extensive experience, combined with her visionary approach, will elevate our organization to new levels of success, expanding our reach and deepening our impact with the students and communities we serve."

Her imprint has extended well beyond traditional academic accomplishments—Goldson played a pivotal role in forging the early partnership between Prince George’s County Public Schools and JA Finance Park®, where thousands of students have gained invaluable financial literacy skills through immersive, hands-on experiences. Following her tenure as CEO, Goldson assumed a national role as Superintendent in Residence with 3DE by Junior Achievement, where she led the reimagination of high school education across the United States.

“Just as the world around us evolves, so should education. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of Junior Achievement—enhancing engagement and belonging for both students and teachers, improving graduation rates, and expanding post-secondary opportunities,” said Monica Goldson, Ed.D., newly appointed President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. “I’m honored to lead this vital work, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in their careers, contribute to their communities, and lead fulfilling lives.”

“Following a national search, Goldson emerged uniquely positioned to lead the premier school system partner organization from a competitive pool of over 100 outstanding candidates nationwide,” said Interim President and CEO, Lynne Ford.

Goldson is the first Black woman in the organization’s history to hold the position. She succeeds Ed Grenier, who led Junior Achievement for three decades. The search was conducted alongside Koya Partners, an executive search firm based in Chicago.

For more than a century, Junior Achievement has inspired and prepared young people to succeed by collaborating with schools and businesses to provide real-world, hands-on learning experiences – equipping students with the essential skills needed for both life and career success.

For more information about Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, visit myja.org or contact Angie Crews at 202-263-5814 or angie.crews@ja.org.

About Junior Achievement of Greater Washington

Junior Achievement of Greater Washington is on a mission to prepare students to be future ready. We partner with schools and business to deliver hands-on, practical experiences in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to more than 38,000 students in our region. We envision a world in which all young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.

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The Junior Achievement of Greater Washington (JA) Board Search Committee unanimously selects respected leader and veteran educator Monica Goldson, Ed.D., as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.