Education Insider proudly presents the Top 10 Directors of Community Engagement 2026, recognizing leaders who are strengthening the connections between educational institutions, families, local organizations, and the communities they serve. These professionals develop outreach initiatives, foster partnerships, encourage stakeholder participation, and create programs that promote inclusion, collaboration, and meaningful engagement beyond the classroom. Their efforts help build supportive learning ecosystems, expand access to opportunities, and cultivate stronger relationships that contribute to student success and long-term community well-being.
Top 10 Directors of Community Engagement - 2026
Kenan Habibic View Profile
Director of Community Engagement, Ivy Tech Community College
Kenan Habibic serves as Director of Community Engagement at Ivy Tech Community College, where he focuses on building relationships between the college, employers and community organizations. His work centers on expanding access to education, strengthening workforce pathways and helping community partners connect residents with training opportunities that support long-term career growth.
Lisa Klein View Profile
Director of Community Engagement, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Lisa Klein leads community engagement efforts at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, focusing on ways the university and the surrounding community can work together more effectively. Lisa Klein works with the community at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. Lisa is an alumna of UWL. Used to work in TV journalism. She has spent most of her career making connections. She supports projects that help the public. Now Lisa uses her experience to make partnerships and help students learn outside of class. She works with groups to bring the university and community together. Lisa Klein builds relationships between UWL and local organizations.
Admon Alexander View Profile
Director of Family and Community Engagement, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Admon Alexander centers his work on strengthening trust between schools, families, and communities through intentional systems and sustained relationships. Drawing from classroom teaching, nonprofit leadership, and academic instruction in leadership and communication, he approaches engagement with purpose, discipline, and equity.
Kendra A. Presley View Profile
EMHA, CCEL, Director of Community and Student Engagement, Adventhealth University
Kendra A. Presley, EMHA, CCEL, is an experienced leader in service-learning and partnership development. She leads programs that provide students with service opportunities, working closely with community partners to create a service-oriented environment.
