Dr. Bernadine P. Futrell is a results-driven education leader, advocate, and changemaker dedicated to helping children thrive. Appointed by President Biden as Director of the Office of Head Start, she led the nationwide reopening of programs during the pandemic and expanded eligibility to serve more children and families. She later served as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, overseeing K–12 federal programs and championing equitable, inclusive learning environments.

Before her federal service, Dr. Futrell developed and led leadership programs at the National Head Start Association and AASA, The School Superintendents Association. She is co-author of the book ConnectED Leaders: Network and Amplify Your Superintendency and serves on the Board of Visitors for Howard University’s School of Education.

She holds a Ph.D. in education policy from George Mason University, where her research focused on students’ self-efficacy for learning, task value, and motivation.