New executives bring robust cross-sector leadership from the corporate, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors
(February 25, 2026 – New York, NY) – NAF, a national leader in career-connected education that expands access to real-world learning opportunities for high school students, is thrilled to announce the appointments of five new members to its Board of Directors including Chike Aguh, Head of Innovation & Strategy, Kapor Center, and Senior Advisor, The Project on Workforce at Harvard; Lawrence (Larry) H. Gennari, Co-Founder and Partner, Gennari Aronson, LLP; Kenneth (Ken) M. Jones II, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Equity Officer, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Julie Lammers, President & CEO, Britebound; and Carla Thompson Payton, Chief Strategist & Impact Officer, W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
NAF is proud to broaden its distinguished Board of Directors, as the organization is preparing to launch a new strategic plan later this year. The new members will help further NAF’s 45-year legacy by bringing executive leadership, cross-sector insight, and a collective drive to strengthen academic and programmatic growth.
Aguh, Gennari, Jones, Lammers, and Thompson Payton bring a mix of corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropic expertise. United by a results-driven approach, they are dedicated to applying innovation, partnership, and scale to help NAF prepare students for the future world of work.
“We are honored to welcome Chike, Larry, Ken, Julie, and Carla to NAF’s Board of Directors,” said NAF CEO, Lisa Dughi. “Their experience, perspective, and shared commitment to opportunity come at a pivotal moment for NAF and will help us expand career-connected learning that prepares young people to be future ready.”
With these new appointments and the continued leadership of NAF’s Board of Directors, the organization is poised to deepen its impact — reaching more students, opening up more doors, and setting the next generation up for long-term success.
About NAF:
NAF is a national education nonprofit that brings schools and businesses together to prepare students for college, careers, and economic viability.
NAF has grown from one NAF Academy of Finance in New York City to hundreds of academies across the country focusing on growing industries including finance, hospitality & tourism, information technology, engineering, and health sciences; and support programs of study that are aligned with the National Career Clusters Framework. Learn more at naf.org and follow us on social @NAFCareerAcads.