Althea O. Holford
San Diego,CA
Summary
Strategic, mission-driven leader with over 20 years of experience in public service, legal practice, community engagement, real estate, and social impact. Proven ability to advise CEOs, boards, and senior leaders through complex transitions. Blends entrepreneurial perspective, legal expertise (JD), and operational acumen to drive inclusive growth, community empowerment, and long-term sustainability. Committed to equity, housing justice, and economic opportunity for underserved communities.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Seed
Charter School Growth Fund
San Diego, CA
01.2022 - Current
- Advise CEOs of mission-driven, multi-site organizations on growth strategy, culture-building, and organizational design.
- Facilitate national leadership development cohorts and professional networks to amplify impact.
- Strengthen evaluation systems, metrics, and cross-sector partnerships to align with long-term strategic vision.
Co-Founder/Co-Owner
Matto Coffee & Residential Building
New York, NY
01.2019 - Current
- Oversee operations, budgets, vendor relationships, leasing, and compliance for coffee shop and residential property.
- Acquired practical expertise in entrepreneurship, finance, and community-driven business strategies.
Co Founder/ Co-Owner
Matto Coffee
New York, NY
01.2019 - 12.2024
- Co-managed daily operations, vendor relationships, leasing, and compliance for neighborhood coffee shop and mixed-use property.
- Acquired hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and finance.
- Developed community-responsive business strategies to enhance local engagement.
West Coast Director of Partnerships
EL Education
San Diego, CA
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Partnered with California-based educators and districts to implement equity-centered curriculum and community engagement programs.
- Led recruitment, onboarding, and leadership programming for school and district leaders.
- Designed statewide workshops and events to promote inclusive learning environments.
Director of Regional Impact
Leadership for Educational Equity
Washington, DC
08.2020 - 09.2021
- Designed regional strategy for multi-state leadership programs focused on equity and civic engagement.
- Advised senior leaders on cross-sector collaboration, communication, and systems-change initiatives.
Managing Director, Community & Government Affairs
KIPP DC
Washington, DC
08.2016 - 08.2020
- Launched KIPP DC’s first community engagement division and led citywide advocacy coalitions.
- Built strategic relationships with parents, students, local government, and policy stakeholders.
- Championed equity-driven initiatives to improve public safety and access to education.
Senior Policy Advisor
Deputy Mayor for Education
Washington, DC
03.2014 - 08.2016
- Directed interagency stakeholder engagement to improve educational access and equity citywide.
- Led strategic planning with schools, families, and government partners to expand opportunity.
Settlement Attorney
Answer Title
Washington, DC
03.2010 - 03.2014
- Facilitated residential and commercial real estate settlements, providing legal counsel on title, ownership, and financing.
- Ensured compliance with local and federal regulations while managing high-volume transactions.
Real Estate Specialist
DC Department of General Services
Washington, DC
05.2008 - 03.2010
- Negotiated and managed over 1M sq. ft. of public-use commercial space on behalf of the District of Columbia.
- Applied legal expertise to support educational infrastructure and community-serving developments.
Education
M.Ed. - Education Leadership
The Broad Center
Los Angeles06-2020
Juris Doctorate -
The George Washington University Law School
Washington, DC08-2004
B.A., Magna Cum Laude - Political Science
University of Massachusetts At Amherst
Amherst, MA06-2001
Skills
- Executive coaching and strategic advising
- Facilitation and team development
- Entrepreneurship experience in small business
- Community-focused planning initiatives
- Leadership in policy and governance
- Impact strategy and program evaluation
- Partnerships across multiple high sectors
- Facilitation and team development
- Real estate negotiation and legal expertise
Websites
Timeline
Vice President, Seed
Charter School Growth Fund
01.2022 - Current
West Coast Director of Partnerships
EL Education
09.2021 - 01.2022
Director of Regional Impact
Leadership for Educational Equity
08.2020 - 09.2021
Co-Founder/Co-Owner
Matto Coffee & Residential Building
01.2019 - Current
Co Founder/ Co-Owner
Matto Coffee
01.2019 - 12.2024
Managing Director, Community & Government Affairs
KIPP DC
08.2016 - 08.2020
Senior Policy Advisor
Deputy Mayor for Education
03.2014 - 08.2016
Settlement Attorney
Answer Title
03.2010 - 03.2014
Real Estate Specialist
DC Department of General Services
05.2008 - 03.2010
M.Ed. - Education Leadership
The Broad Center
Juris Doctorate -
The George Washington University Law School
B.A., Magna Cum Laude - Political Science
University of Massachusetts At Amherst
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