Elaine Perea
Director, Technical Assistance Program Management
As director of technical assistance programs, Elaine works with our chiefs in residence and external partners to provide requested technical assistance to school districts and state education departments. The technical assistance team engages with education leaders to implement and evaluate programs and scale successful efforts.
Elaine joined Chiefs for Change after serving as New Mexico’s director of college and career readiness. She has deep experience supporting education leaders in preparing students for the future by collaborating with those in the business, government, and nonprofit sectors. When she began her work at the state, fewer than one third of districts offered career and technical education courses. At the end of her tenure, more than 85 percent of districts provided such opportunities. Elaine also implemented several successful initiatives to grow work-based learning and help adults move into teaching careers.
She previously worked in finance and business, including roles as comptroller, communications director, and investment analyst. Elaine’s experience in for-profit industries informs her focus on aligning the efforts of secondary schools, postsecondary institutions, and business systems. She holds a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s College as well as master’s and doctoral degrees from Arizona State University.