National school choice group elevates longtime leader to President and CEO
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Invest in Education Foundation (IIEF) announced that Anne Lesser has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of IIEF. Lesser steps into the role after helping lead the organization’s successful effort to pass the first-ever federal tax credit scholarship program, landmark legislation signed into law last year.
Lesser previously served as chief of staff to the chairman of IIEF, where she played a central role in advancing the federal tax credit scholarship program. In that role, she directed all programmatic efforts of the organization, overseeing a team of policy and advocacy professionals and managing an operating budget of tens of millions of dollars to support enactment of the law.
“I am honored to be part of the movement to expand educational opportunity, and I am grateful to the Board of Directors and the entire team for entrusting me with leading this organization into its next phase,” said Lesser. “Last year, history was made when the first federal tax credit scholarship program was signed into law, but the work is not finished. I look forward to continuing the effort with our many partner organizations across the country to ensure that every child, in every state, has access to a better education and a brighter future.”
On July 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed into law a permanent federal tax credit for private donations that fund K–12 scholarships, based on the Educational Choice for Children Act. This historic law allows students across the country to access a school or educational service of their parents’ choice. Scholarships are funded through private donations, not federal dollars and donors receive a federal individual income tax credit for their contributions.
Anthony J. de Nicola, Chairman of Invest in Education Foundation, said Lesser’s leadership will be critical as the organization enters its next phase.
“Invest in Education is thrilled to have Anne step into the role of CEO,” said de Nicola. “She brings a rare combination of long-term vision and pragmatic execution. Her deep commitment to our mission and proven leadership makes her the ideal person to guide our organization forward and expand opportunity for students in all 50 states.”
Darla Romfo, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Scholarship Fund, who serves of the Invest in Education Foundation Board, said: “I am so happy for Anne and IIEF as she assumes this new role. Her commitment, leadership and execution abilities have been critical to IIEF’s success to this point, and her new role will provide the platform for the next phase of work that needs to be done. I look forward to collaborating with Anne, especially in the work of helping other SGOs across the country, as we begin to implement the first ever federal school choice law that stands to benefit millions of American children.
About Invest in Education Foundation
Invest in Education Foundation is a research and policy 501(c)(3) organization that educates the public and policymakers about school choice as a means to expand educational freedom and opportunity for K-12 parents and students.