illi News - The Vistria Group Adds Dr. Janice Jackson as Executive in Residence

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CHICAGO, Aug. 15, 2025 ~ The Vistria Group, a middle market private investment firm, has announced the appointment of Dr. Janice Jackson as Executive in Residence for their Knowledge & Learning Solutions (KLS) practice. This move is part of Vistria's efforts to strengthen their KLS team and further their mission of delivering both financial returns and meaningful impact.

Dr. Jackson brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having previously served as the CEO of Hope Chicago and the Chicago Public Schools. She will now be advising the KLS team and providing strategic support to portfolio companies, including Edmentum, a K-12 personalized learning platform that serves over 6 million students globally.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to lend my experience and insights on a deeper level," said Dr. Jackson. "The future of education relies on collaboration with the private sector and innovation that supports teachers in demanding environments. I am eager to help bridge this gap."

In her new position, Dr. Jackson will work closely with Edmentum's President & CEO Jamie Candee on various strategic assignments such as evaluating potential investment opportunities, networking and advising, planning and operational support, and driving new growth initiatives. Candee has been at the helm of Edmentum since 2017 and has led the company through a period of impressive growth.

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Under Candee's leadership, Edmentum has been named to the GSV 150 for three consecutive years – an annual list recognizing the top 150 private companies transforming education and workforce skills.

"We are honored to be the first beneficiaries of Vistria's Executive in Residence program," said Candee. "Having worked closely with Janice while she served on our board of directors, I have seen firsthand her qualities as an effective leader. Her experience in both the public sector and education makes her an invaluable asset to our team."

Vistria's KLS team focuses on investing in companies that expand access, affordability, and quality across the full continuum of education. Their portfolio companies have reported serving an additional 17.5 million students from 2022 to 2023. Dr. Jackson joins a strong group of executives leading Vistria KLS portfolio companies, including ESS CEO Buddy Helton and MGT CEO Trey Treviesa.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Jackson join our team as Executive in Residence," said Philip Alphonse, Senior Partner and Co-Head of Knowledge & Learning Solutions at Vistria. "Her expertise, institutional knowledge, and values align perfectly with our mission of doing right by doing good."

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Dr. Jackson's impressive career includes starting as a social studies teacher on the South Side of Chicago and working her way up to Chief Education Officer and then CEO of Chicago Public Schools. She also founded Hope Chicago, a scholarship organization that raised nearly $100 million to support students and parents with debt-free continuing education opportunities.

In addition to her role at Vistria, Dr. Jackson serves as the Executive Director of the Aspen Institute's Education & Society Program, which brings together education stakeholders and policymakers to improve outcomes at public schools nationwide.

With her extensive experience in both the public sector and education, Dr. Jackson is poised to make a significant impact on Vistria's KLS practice and their portfolio companies like Edmentum. Her appointment is a testament to Vistria's commitment to delivering both financial returns and meaningful impact in the education sector.

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