Leadership

Craig Powell, Founder & CEO

In 2002, Craig Powell founded ConnectEDU. Today, 10 years after launching the company, Craig’s primary responsibilities as CEO consist of setting the strategic direction, directly engaging with and supporting critical partners, and driving product innovations. He also ensures that the ConnectEDU team has what it needs to execute on the Company’s mission to connect learners to possibilities.

Before ConnectEDU, Craig worked as a member of the professional investment team at Nautic Partners, a $2B private equity fund in Providence, RI. While at Nautic, Craig honed his entrepreneurial skills, and learned about the importance of developing a strong team of seasoned managers. With this knowledge in hand and a passion for leveling the playing field for students, he was encouraged by colleagues, investors, and industry experts to take the next steps in his dream of changing the college and career access landscape for students and their families.

Outside of ConnectEDU, Craig also works directly with organizations and groups focused on college access and school improvement issues. He is member of the New Leaders for New Schools Board (New York City) and a National Board Member for The I Have a Dream Foundation.

Craig graduated from Brown University in Providence, RI, with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics.