Jennifer Preston is a program manager in RTI International’s Center for Education Technical Assistance. Her research interests and areas of expertise include program and project management as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Dr. Preston has spent her career in positions that combine advocacy, analysis, program management, fundraising, and government relations in support of students across the United States. She has substantial experience with designing new educational initiatives and communicating them to key stakeholders. At RTI, Dr. Preston serves as the individual program administrator for the Defense STEM Education Consortium, a $190 million, ten-year investment in STEM by the Department of Defense. She also facilitates the North Carolina Large District Consortium superintendents’ network, which brings together the executives that lead the twelve largest school districts in the state.

Before joining RTI, Dr. Preston directed the work of a national nonprofit college access organization in North Carolina. She previously worked at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and led the state’s efforts to transform its educator evaluation policies. Dr. Preston began her professional career as a teacher at a rural high school in northeastern North Carolina.