As the Executive Director of EdTrust-West, Dr. Christopher J. Nellum leads a team of passionate and skilled advocates who work to advance policies and practices that dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the California education system. With over 10 years of experience in education policy, research, and advocacy, he has a proven track record of influencing change at the local, state, and national levels.Nellum has spearheaded successful campaigns to ensure equity in the K-12 accountability system, create a statewide cradle-to-career data system, address food insecurity for college students, increase financial aid access and completion, and defend fairness in college admissions. Chris also serves on several statewide committees and boards - including a recent gubernatorial appointment - that align with his mission of promoting educational opportunity and social mobility for marginalized communities. He is a respected thought leader, skilled non-profit executive, strategic fundraiser, and a frequent speaker and writer on issues of educational equity, data systems, and the value of high-quality public education.