FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2026
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary Jim Blew Named Chief Policy Officer of Education Freedom Foundation
Veteran education reform leader joins EFF as the organization expands its national efforts to strengthen school choice programs, build bipartisan support, and turn education freedom into lasting opportunities for families.
NAPLES, FL — The Education Freedom Foundation (EFF) today announced that Jim Blew, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education and longtime national education reform leader, has joined the organization as Chief Policy Officer.
Blew brings decades of experience in federal education policy, state-level reform, philanthropy, and national coalition leadership. His appointment comes at a consequential moment for education freedom, as the November elections reshape the political landscape and states prepare for the 2027 launch of the new federal scholarship tax credit.
“Education freedom has made historic progress, but the work is far from finished,” said Erika Donalds, Founder and CEO of the Education Freedom Foundation. “The changing political landscape reminds us that passing legislation is only the beginning. We have to make these programs work so well for families that their value is undeniable, regardless of who holds political office. That means strengthening implementation, opening more schools and other educational opportunities, and building lasting support across party lines. Jim brings exactly the experience and leadership we need for this next chapter.”
Strengthening Education Freedom for the Long Term
As Chief Policy Officer, Blew will help lead EFF’s national policy initiatives, working with state and federal policymakers, education entrepreneurs, philanthropic partners, and community leaders to expand educational opportunity and strengthen the implementation of existing school choice programs.
A central priority will be helping states translate education freedom policies into accessible, effective programs that serve families and earn broad public confidence.
EFF also intends to build on Florida’s experience as a national leader in educational choice, working to advance practical solutions, expand the supply of high-quality schools, and establish implementation practices that can serve as models for other states.
The Foundation will continue engaging leaders from across the political spectrum around a shared commitment to educational opportunity, recognizing that durable reforms require broad coalitions and a demonstrated record of serving students well.
“Parents don’t measure education freedom by the number of bills passed or programs created,” Donalds added. “They measure it by whether they can find a school that meets their child’s needs. A scholarship is only meaningful if there’s a great school with an available seat. That’s why our work supporting education entrepreneurs and helping new schools open is just as important as our policy work.”
Advancing the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
Blew will also continue his leadership in supporting the successful implementation of the new federal scholarship tax credit, scheduled to begin in 2027.
Building on his work with the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Coalition, Blew will collaborate with national stakeholders, state officials, scholarship granting organizations, and education advocates to support implementation readiness and help ensure that the program’s benefits can reach eligible families.
His work will also include advancing practical solutions to simplify access to education funding, reduce barriers for education providers, and help families navigate the growing number of educational options available to them.
These efforts complement EFF’s Freedom Learning & Education Exchange (FLEX) initiative, which seeks to develop common standards for eligible education expenses and provider reciprocity across state lines.
“Expanding educational opportunity requires more than good policy. It requires thoughtful implementation, effective partnerships, and a commitment to making these programs work for families,” said Jim Blew, Chief Policy Officer of the Education Freedom Foundation. “The new federal scholarship tax credit presents an important opportunity to help more families and improve student outcomes across the country. I’m excited to join Erika and the EFF team to help build on that progress, strengthen the systems that support it, and expand the educational opportunities available to American families.”
Decades of National Education Leadership
Blew served as U.S. Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development at the U.S. Department of Education under Secretary Betsy DeVos during President Donald Trump’s first administration.
Before his federal service, he held national leadership positions at StudentsFirst and the Alliance for School Choice. He also helped guide the Walton Family Foundation’s investments in K–12 education reform for nearly a decade, supporting efforts to expand access to high-quality educational options.
Blew is a co-founder of the Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies and has played a leadership role in the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Coalition.
His career spans philanthropic investment, grassroots advocacy, federal policymaking, and education reform implementation.
Turning Policy Victories into Real Opportunities
EFF combines national policy initiatives with direct support for education entrepreneurs who are opening and expanding schools.
Through its school development work, the Foundation has helped create more than 8,000 student seats and secure more than $100 million in funding for schools.
The Foundation is expanding its work to accelerate the development of new schools, help successful education providers grow, and ensure that families have meaningful access to the educational opportunities made possible by state and federal programs.
“Our goal isn’t simply to preserve the progress that’s been made. It’s to build something that lasts,” Donalds said. “Every new school, every family served, and every successful student helps demonstrate what educational freedom can accomplish. We want to see more children in classrooms that meet their needs, not sitting on waiting lists hoping for an opportunity. That’s how we turn education freedom from a policy achievement into a lasting American reality.”
About the Education Freedom Foundation
Founded in 2017 by education entrepreneur Erika Donalds, the Education Freedom Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers, enabling innovation, and empowering parents to choose the best education for their children.
EFF supports education entrepreneurs in launching and expanding schools while advancing policies, partnerships, and infrastructure that make educational freedom accessible to families nationwide.
Learn more at www.YourEdFreedom.org.
Media Contact
Education Freedom Foundation
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www.YourEdFreedom.org
