NEWS

Drawing on her decades of human resources leadership in New York City, Fairfax County (VA), and Montgomery County (MD), Betsy founded USHCA with a bold vision: to help school systems strengthen the way they attract, develop, and retain the educators who make student success possible. Under her leadership, USHCA grew from an ambitious idea to a trusted national partner for districts and states seeking to redesign their human capital systems. Her tireless commitment, strategic foresight, and belief in the power of people have left an enduring mark on the field of K–12 Human Resources (HR) and talent management.

Danielle, who was instrumental in launching USHCA and has helped shape its growth since its founding, previously served as Chief Program Officer. She brings both deep national policy expertise and practical, on-the-ground district experience. Before joining USHCA, she worked in the New York City Department of Education, where she supported schools in building systems to attract and retain exceptional educators and also worked for the Chicago Public Schools. Over the past 14 years, she has helped districts and states across the country rethink how HR and Talent functions can ensure every student has access to great educators.

As CEO, Danielle will guide USHCA into its next chapter—one focused on helping HR and Talent leaders create sustainable systems and supports that enable great educators to stay and thrive, even amid one of the most complex periods in public education. Across the country, districts are navigating persistent staffing shortages, declining student enrollment, and a shifting federal context—all while exploring how technology and AI can reshape the work ahead.

By connecting school system leaders across the country, USHCA continues to ensure that the people who support our schools have the community, knowledge, and tools to meet this moment—and shape what comes next.

“Betsy has been a mentor, a visionary, and a constant source of wisdom throughout my career,” said Danielle. “For more than twenty years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from and leading alongside her. I’m honored to continue her legacy and guide USHCA into the future at a time when the educator workforce is being reshaped by shortages, shifting expectations, and new technologies. This moment calls for fresh approaches to sustaining the people who make learning possible, so every student has access to the great educators they deserve.”

Ayeola Kinlaw, Chair of the USHCA Board, added: 

"Betsy built something extraordinary at USHCA.  It’s not just an organization, but a movement that has transformed how school systems recruit and retain their educators. We are grateful for her pioneering leadership and thrilled that Danielle, her partner for more than two decades, is stepping into this role. Danielle has the vision and steadiness to build on USHCA’s legacy in this pivotal moment for public education.”

Betsy will continue to support USHCA in an advisory capacity during the transition, ensuring continuity and counsel as the organization enters its next chapter.

Please join us in celebrating Betsy’s extraordinary leadership and welcoming Danielle as she leads USHCA into its next era of impact.

For more information, please contact Danielle Pickens at dpickens@theushca.org.