Governing Board
David Ferguson – Chair
Managing Director of Ferguson Strategic Technology Services, LLC
David Ferguson runs a boutique consultancy that operates at the intersection of international development, creating evidence of what works, and building partnerships to support innovative, collaborative programs to solve complex challenges.
He was the Director of the Center for Development Innovation in the U.S. Global Development Lab at USAID from its inception until 2018. He was one of the leaders of institutional change at USAID. The Center for Development Innovation created both directed and open innovation approaches, many involving a consortium of donors, to sourcing and accelerating solutions that have the potential to be transformative in bettering the lives of millions of people. As a leader of the International Development Innovation Alliance, an alliance of the heads of innovation at a dozen large donors and foundations, he facilitated partnerships that accomplished more than would have been possible otherwise.
Before joining USAID, he worked on international development at the nexus of development, technology, and the private sector. His first career was 27 years at AT&T where he created and ran AT&T’s Professional Services Division, developing it into a US$200M profitable entity. He was based in Hong Kong for seven years and focused on the developing markets of China, India, and Indonesia, for telecommunications investment opportunities. He built seven joint ventures during this period. He began his career with AT&T at Bell Labs as a member of technical staff.
Mr. Ferguson holds a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts.
Rose Cardarelli – Board Member
CEO & Founder of the Education for All Coalition
Dr. Rose Cardarelli is the CEO & Founder of the international NGO, Education for All Coalition. She is acclaimed for her work in strategy, global education, and sustainable development, and is a veteran of the U.S. Department of Defense and former professor of human security. As a humanitarian, she is driven by her passion to develop equitable, accessible, and sustainable solutions for displaced children worldwide. The Education for All Coalition serves to improve the lives and social development of children, with a focus on early childhood development, social emotional learning, digital technology, and inclusive education. The mission of the Education for All Coalition is to help children become thriving global citizens with unlimited potential and opportunities. Dr. Cardarelli serves as an NGO representative to the UN, UNHCR, and UNICEF, and is a member of the Board of Directors for both Childhood Education International and Fitchburg State University. She earned her Ed.D. from The College of William and Mary, an MHA from Baylor University, and an M.Ed. from Boston University. She is also a graduate of the University of Oxford’s Refugee Studies Center on Forced Migration.
Lou Pugliese – Board Member
Senior Advisor- BCG Education Employment & Welfare
Lou Pugliese is a visionary and accomplished social entrepreneur known for his innovative ideas and ability to create impactful education programs that unite and inspire learning communities. With a diverse background spanning various sectors, including entrepreneurship, academia, and equity-focused organizations, Pugliese has consistently demonstrated his commitment to driving positive change. He specializes in developing technology-driven community networks that utilize data, research, and insights to support and advance educational outcomes. Throughout his career, Pugliese has embraced the belief that every learning community is unique and that harnessing the resources, knowledge, and talent within each community is essential for fostering economic growth at all levels of society. Learn more about him here.
