We partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America on the search for its Chief Agency Growth Officer. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

The search resulted in the recruitment of Alison Avera to the role.

In this role, Avera will lead key priorities within the organization’s strategic plan, focused on reimagining growth and enhancing efficiency across all agencies and implementing innovative solutions to maximize its impact. Leveraging her strategic mindset and operational expertise, she will also be responsible for creating and implementing comprehensive short- and long-term planning strategies that align with its commitment to supporting its agencies, including bolstering the volunteer experience to address the demand of youth waitlists in the near term.

Previously, as the Director of Adult Development for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, Avera excelled in recruiting and serving a significant number of adult volunteers and girl members.

Avera has a wealth of experience and expertise in the education sector. Notably, as the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer at Teach Plus and Chief Operating Officer for the Center for Whole-Child Education (originally called Turnaround for Children), she has consistently driven change in education policy and practice. Her leadership has empowered teachers, addressed equity issues, and significantly improved student success.

Avera played a pivotal role in the NYC Department of Education, serving as Chief of Staff, where she led special projects for the Chancellor and Chief Schools Officer as part of New York City’s transformative Children First reforms.

Avera’s career began with Teach for America, where she spearheaded transformative changes in under-resourced public schools by designing and implementing hands-on, project-based learning experiences for middle and high school students.

Avera holds a Bachelor’s degree from Tulane University. She earned an MBA in General Management from Harvard Business School.