EdSurge Appoints Six New Advisory Board Members
The new members will provide strategic guidance on newsroom priorities and emerging educational issues.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Language Learning
Live Poll
Do you trust news outlets more when they consult outside advisory boards on their coverage?
EdSurge has officially appointed six new members to its Advisory Board to help shape newsroom priorities. These individuals will offer strategic insights on emerging industry topics, including the role of AI in teaching and learning.
Why it matters
The board provides crucial industry perspective on pressing education trends without holding editorial influence or veto power over content. This structure ensures alignment with nonprofit journalistic standards while tackling complex policy questions.
The new board consists of six members who bring diverse expertise to the nonprofit organization. Among the cohort, Manoush Zomorodi brings a background that includes TED talks with over 7 million views.
The players
Todd Frankel
He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist recognized for his extensive work in national reporting.
Patrick Harris II
He is a recognized honoree of the 30 under 30 list who previously served as an EdSurge Fellow.
Nneka McGee
She is a professional who authored an educational jump start guide in early 2026.
Ramona Schindelheim
She is an industry professional joining the board to provide strategic guidance on newsroom priorities.
Manoush Zomorodi
She is a prominent media figure known for TED talks that have garnered 7 million views and residency at the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center.
The details
The new advisory members include Todd Frankel, Patrick Harris II, Nneka McGee, Ramona Schindelheim, Avery Thrush, and Manoush Zomorodi. They are tasked with providing guidance on emerging challenges such as AI policy in education and teaching.
Timeline
2021: Patrick Harris II was named a 30 under 30 honoree.
2022-23: Avery Thrush and Patrick Harris II served as Fellows.
2024: Todd Frankel won a Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting.
2025: Manoush Zomorodi served as a Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center resident.
Early 2026: Nneka McGee released a jump start guide.
Culture Shift
The advisory board structure follows the Institute for Nonprofit News standards to ensure editorial independence. This reflects a broader trend of nonprofit media organizations seeking external industry expertise while maintaining rigorous distance from editorial control.
The board's focus on AI policy in teaching will likely influence the depth and direction of future education reporting. Readers interested in how newsrooms track educational technology will see more expert-informed coverage on these emerging tools.
The takeaway
Nonprofit news organizations frequently leverage advisory boards to bridge the gap between complex industry developments and public reporting. These appointments illustrate how organizations maintain accountability to professional standards while staying informed on rapid technological shifts.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving education trends at Language Learning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EdSurge.
Live Poll
Do you trust news outlets more when they consult outside advisory boards on their coverage?
