Announcing Ascend's Next CEO

The Ascend Learning Board of Directors and the Ascend Charter Schools Board of Trustees are proud to announce the appointment of Maryann Li as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ascend Public Charter Schools.

Maryann’s elevation to CEO marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Ascend and reflects the strength of the organization’s internal leadership pipeline and the progress made over the last five years to become a thriving, community-centered network of schools. A values-driven leader with a deep belief in educational equity, Maryann brings to this role a strong track record of results and a clear vision for excellence in service of students, families, and educators.

Since joining Ascend in 2020, Maryann has played a central role in shaping the organization’s stability and direction. As Chief Operating Officer, she successfully led Ascend’s return to in-person learning after the COVID-19 pandemic. As President, she has strengthened the organization’s financial foundation, helped improve staff retention, and built systems and practices that support long-term growth and sustainability. Her leadership reflects the very best of Ascend’s values: dreaming audaciously, striving joyfully, partnering collaboratively, centering justice, and championing belonging.

“Maryann’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to our students and families make her the ideal choice to lead Ascend into its next chapter,” said Isabel Geathers, Ph.D., Chair of the Ascend Learning Board of Directors. “She leads with focus, care, and conviction. Her experience building operational strength and her clear-eyed commitment to results will ensure we continue to grow with purpose and deliver on our promise of an excellent education for every student.”

Maryann brings more than 15 years of leadership experience across the education sector. She began her career in finance and transitioned into education by joining New York City’s largest charter network during its rapid scale-up, eventually overseeing operations across 47 schools and over 20,000 students. Prior to Ascend, she also contributed to national equity strategy as the Chief of Staff at Teach For America.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as CEO of Ascend Public Charter Schools,” said Maryann Li. “Ascend’s mission, to provide every student with an education that unlocks a life of boundless choice, is both ambitious and urgent. I am inspired every day by the limitless potential of the students we serve and the passion of our educators. I look forward to working together with our dedicated staff, school leaders, families, and partners to build a future where every Ascend student is set up to thrive.”

Maryann succeeds Recy Benjamin Dunn, who served as CEO from 2021 to 2025. Recy led Ascend through one of the most complex periods in public education, ensuring organizational stability while re-centering the organization on instructional excellence, teacher development, and a deepened commitment to our mission grounded in clarified values. His leadership helped build a strong foundation that will continue to support Ascend’s evolution in the years ahead.

Ascend Public Charter Schools is a network of 17 tuition-free, K-12 public schools serving nearly 6,000 students across Brooklyn. Ascend exists to help every student embody their inherent excellence by providing rich, joyful learning experiences that unlock a life of boundless choice.

For more information about Ascend Public Charter Schools and its leadership, please visit www.ascendlearning.org.