Heights Philadelphia

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A team of proven educational leaders

ABOUT US: LEADERSHIP

The more support students have, the higher they can set their sights. Heights unites esteemed leaders to unlock more: More programs. More partnerships. More possibilities for the students we work to empower every day.

Meet our accomplished leadership

Sean E. Vereen

PRESIDENT & CEO

EMAIL SEAN

Sean is the President & CEO of Heights Philadelphia. Formerly president of Steppingstone Scholars, he led the launch of several programs and strategic partnerships increasing the organization’s impact and scope. A noted thought leader in educational pedagogy and racial, social, and economic inequities within the educational system, Sean was a member of Johns Hopkins Access Advisory Board, which works with Hopkins’ undergraduate admissions office to realize the goals of Michael Bloomberg’s $1.8 billion gift for increasing the low-income and first-generation student population.

Prior to joining Steppingstone, Sean spent ten years at the University of Pennsylvania in a variety of roles, including the Associate Dean for Opportunity and Access and Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Sean previously served as vice chair of the mayor’s education nominating board for the School District of Philadelphia’s Board of Education. He also served on the Education Subcommittee of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Transition.  He is a board member of Elevate 215 and The Philadelphia School, and he is also a lecturer in the higher education division at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. Sean holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Rochester and an Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Michael Hollander

VICE PRESIDENT OF DATA & INNOVATION

EMAIL MICHAEL

Michael leads Heights’ work in using data to better serve our students and tailor our programming. With a background as a programmer, a lawyer, and a policy advisor, he brings to Heights a unique ability to translate data and analysis into actionable policy changes.

Prior to working at Heights, Michael served as the Director of Analytics and Assistant Director of DATA Lab at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where he helped to lead and measure policy change, create public transparency, and navigate the complexities of city government. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as an employment lawyer at Community Legal Services and 3 years as a programmer in San Francisco.  Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia.

Chris Avery

VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAM STRATEGY AND PARTNERSHIPS

EMAIL CHRIS

Chris leads the program strategy and partnerships for K-12, and helps forge relationships to enhance the organization’s work in the community. He brings an extensive understanding of the challenges that Heights’ students and families face daily, and knowledge of how to navigate Philadelphia’s complex landscape of school options.

Chris previously served as vice president of programs at Steppingstone Scholars. Prior to that role, he spent 14 years as an administrator and presenter for schools, most notably serving as director of community life at The Haverford School. Chris has served on several boards, including the Executive Committee of the Board for the Multi-Cultural Resource Center and was a facilitator for The National SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) Project. He was published in the NAIS Diversity Handbook for best practices in diversity and inclusion for independent schools, and in 2014, he won Teaching Tolerance’s national Award for Excellence in Teaching. Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia and an M.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Tara Short

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

EMAIL TARA

Tara is a highly accomplished Chief Financial Officer with over 20 years of experience driving financial and operational success across healthcare, behavioral health, and nonprofit organizations. Known for her strategic vision and ability to streamline processes, Tara has consistently delivered results by implementing financial controls, optimizing operational efficiencies, and aligning resources with organizational goals.

As CFO for organizations such as First Children Services and the Montgomery County Housing Authority, Tara led transformative initiatives, including scaling financial systems, increasing collections rates, and achieving regulatory excellence. Her expertise in financial planning and analysis, revenue cycle management, and compliance ensures organizations remain fiscally sustainable while maintaining quality service delivery. Tara has deep experience in nonprofit finance, with a proven track record in managing complex reimbursement structures and driving innovation through technology integration. Her leadership has empowered teams to adopt new systems, improve reporting accuracy, and achieve significant cost savings without compromising mission-driven objectives.

In addition to her professional achievements, Tara received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Post University and a Master of Science in Accountancy from Boise State University. A strategic leader with a mission-focused approach, Tara is committed to leveraging her expertise to empower Heights Philadelphia to achieve financial sustainability while advancing their mission of creating pathways for the youth of Philadelphia.

Chanell Bates

CHIEF OF STAFF

EMAIL CHANELL

With more than 15 years of experience in the education and nonprofit sectors, Chanell leverages a deep passion for improving the life outcomes of young people. She previously served at Steppingstone Scholars as chief talent officer. 

Prior to that role, Chanell served as director of strategy and operations in the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Talent, where she designed and enhanced systems to support the staffing of schools and implemented a portfolio of high-quality teacher pathway programs to increase the supply of teachers in high-need content areas. She additionally served as director of postsecondary initiatives at Mastery Charter Schools, leading college, career, and alumni programming for seven high schools serving approximately 3,000 students. Chanell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia and a Master of Public Administration degree from Rutgers University.

Annie Soler

VICE PRESIDENT OF SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS

EMAIL ANNIE

Annie has dedicated her career to educational access and equity for communities systemically denied equal access to resources. Her fundamental belief is that education is a human right. As the Vice President of School-Based Programs, she works to ensure ongoing programmatic excellence and the most optimal outcomes for Heights students participating in school-based programs. 

Annie is a seasoned equity-centered professional with 18+ years of experience in K-12 education, spanning non-profits, educational institutions, and start-ups. Annie’s strengths lie in creating the roadmap to the strategic vision and supporting the team with resources and guidance to achieve that vision in a reasonable timeline while building a strong community of practitioners. She subscribes to a Youth Development approach, and is trained as both a classroom teacher and group facilitator. 

Annie earned her Doctorate in International and Multicultural Education with a Human Rights Emphasis & Organizational Leadership from the University of San Francisco in 2013, focusing her doctoral research on college access for first-generation, college-bound students. She also holds a M.S. and B.S. in Experimental Psychology, with a concentration in Child Development, from Saint Joseph’s University. 

Our board of directors

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