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COABE board of directors

Lead Equip Empower

COABE'S MISSION

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To lead, equip, and empower the field of adult education, inspiring transformative growth in every adult to achieve their full potential.

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COABE'S VISION

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Adult education is recognized as the catalyst for empowering individuals, strengthening families, and enriching communities.

COABE: Igniting Possibility, Empowering Progress

At the heart of adult education in the United States, COABE unites a powerful network of over 100,000 members who are transforming lives through learning. Representing more than 82,000 educators and 1.5 million adult learners, COABE is a driving force—fueling progress with award-winning leadership and world-class professional development.

We are more than an organization—we are a movement. As a trusted curator of innovation, COABE leads with vision and purpose, championing strategic initiatives that have elevated the field in visibility, funding, and impact. Through our work, we open doors, break barriers, and create opportunities for every adult learner to thrive.
 

Each year, our vibrant community converges at the COABE National Conference—the largest gathering of adult educators in the world. It is here that our cross-sector collaborations shine brightest, where ideas ignite, partnerships flourish, and the future of adult education is shaped by the passion and dedication of those who believe in its power.
 

Together, we’re not just advancing adult education—we’re transforming lives and strengthening communities across the nation.

Executive Leadership Team

Shaketta Thomas

Shaketta Thomas

Board President, COABE

Hector Martinez.png

Hector Martinez

Board President-Elect, COABE

Juli DeNisco

Juli DeNisco

Secretary, COABE

Dr. Adrienne Fontenot

Dr. Adrienne Fontenot

Vice President Membership, COABE

Polly Smith

Polly Smith

Governance Chair, COABE

Board Members

Kristin Hempel

Kristin Hempel

Director of Leadership

Yvottonne Reneé Rivers

Yvottonne Reneé Rivers

Director of Awareness

Karyn Goven

Karyn Goven

Director of Innovation

Marsha Taylor

Marsha Taylor

Director of Professional Development

Danielle Cox

Danielle Cox

Director of Sustainability

Jeffrey Abramowitz

Jeffrey Abramowitz

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Full Bio  >

COABE Staff

Michelle Chiles-Fourcoy

Michelle Chiles-Fourcoy

Executive Vice President

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James Bonney

Chief Communications Officer

Lindsey Lord

Lindsey Lord

Project Manager

Christina Reitz

Christina Reitz

Membership Coordinator

Moriah Sampson

Moriah Sampson

Staff Support

COABE Contractors

Julie Knack

Julie Knack

Communications & Events Coordinator

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Kim Zomer

Billing Specialist

Robert Moore

Robert Moore

Education and Workforce Specialist

Tamar D’Ambrogio

Tamar D'Ambrogio

Clerical Support

Abigail Nittle

Abigail Nittle

Partnership Engagement Specialist

Ashly Winkle

Ashly Winkle

Professional Development Coordinator

Brad Coffman

Brad Coffman

LOCAL Liaison

Nicholas Moore

Nicholas Moore

Special Projects Administator

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Dr. Don Finn

Journal Editor

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Christine Valdez

Social Media Coordinator

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Ann Ferguson

TikTok Coordinator

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Jackie Aguilera

Administrator Toolkit Developer

Are you interested in serving on the COABE board of directors?

We would love to hear from you! Click below to complete our online "Talent Bank" form

Middle-aged adult administrator signing into the COABE Virtual Office
Middle-aged man signing in to the COABE Virtual Office

Board member's virtual office

COABE Board Members: Download Conference Materials Here

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