Eddie Koen is a dynamic leader and passionate advocate for education, equity, and criminal justice reform. He currently serves as the President of the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) in Washington, DC, a 60-year-old national nonprofit dedicated to transforming systems through people. Under his leadership, IEL partners with over 400 under-resourced communities to equip leaders in preparing children, youth, adults, and families for postsecondary education, rewarding careers, and civic engagement.
Before joining IEL, Eddie was the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio (ULGSO), one of the largest Urban League affiliates in the country. At ULGSO, he launched the region’s first Center for Social Justice, which became a catalyst for collaborative police reform efforts. The organization secured at least one job per day in the region and supported 1,600 Black, Brown, and women-owned businesses annually with total revenues exceeding $7 billion. Eddie also spearheaded the Lincoln & Gilbert project, an ambitious $40 million initiative aimed at doubling the number of Black businesses with employees in the region.
Eddie’s career has been marked by impactful roles in various sectors. As Chief Impact Officer at Mile High United Way in Denver, he directed $18 million in investment strategies tailored to neighborhood needs. During his tenure as Chief-of-Staff for Denver Public Schools (DPS), Colorado’s largest school district, Eddie coordinated policy and strategy efforts that led to the elimination of expulsions and a significant reduction in suspensions for students from kindergarten through third grade.
A Chicago native with roots in Alabama, Eddie has consistently championed racial equity and community empowerment. In Denver, he served as Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees for The Denver Foundation (TDF), an $820 million community foundation where he chaired racial equity initiatives. He co-chaired Denver African-American Philanthropists and participated in TDF’s EPIC Initiative to elevate philanthropy within communities of color.
Eddie’s commitment to social justice extends beyond his professional roles. He served as Colorado State Policy Adviser for Lumina Foundation’s Strategy Labs, advancing racial equity and degree attainment initiatives among underrepresented groups. His early career included serving as Executive Director of Charity’s House Ministries—a housing reentry nonprofit—and working as a legal fellow at Equal Justice Initiative.
A dedicated chess enthusiast, Eddie is on the board of ChessGirlsDC and coaches the girls’ chess team at Whittier Elementary School in Washington, DC. He believes chess is a powerful tool for empowering young minds and fostering leadership skills.
Eddie holds a law degree from Samford University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. Recognized nationally for his contributions to education and philanthropy, Eddie has received numerous accolades including being named one of Cincinnati’s top 300 business leaders multiple times.
Outside work, Eddie enjoys traveling with his family, playing chess, cheering for Alabama football, and attending live music events. His life’s work exemplifies his belief in “lifting as you climb,” ensuring that communities thrive while empowering future leaders.
