The Generation Next Partnership
Generation Next is a broad partnership of organizations and leaders from across the Twin Cities – the first of its kind. We represent local schools and government, community organizations and programs, businesses, higher education and philanthropy – all dedicated to educational excellence and narrowing the achievement gap.
Our vision: To ensure that children of all socio-economic backgrounds are well prepared for success in the 21st century.
Our mission: To dramatically accelerate educational achievement of all children from early childhood through early career through an aligned partnership of community stakeholders.
Stay Connected
Receive updates in our regular e-newsletter, Partners In Progress.
Generation Next – Staff
Michael Goar, Executive Director
Michael, who grew up in Minneapolis, brings extensive leadership experience in the education and government sectors. As the deputy superintendent and chief operating officer of Boston Public Schools, he was the point person for that city’s cradle-to-career partnership, the Boston Opportunity Agenda. His experience in Boston provides a valuable understanding of Generation Next’s collective impact approach and data-based decision-making. Mr. Goar’s previous roles include management positions in Minneapolis Public Schools, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the State of Minnesota.
Christy Coaty, Executive Assistant
Christy joined Generation Next to provide administrative support to Michael Goar. To contact her, you can call 612-343-6053 or email christy.coaty@tcgennext.org
Lexi Prahl, Graduate Associate, Community Engagement and Communications
Lexi joined Generation Next in January, 2013. Currently, she is working toward developing engagement events with communities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Lexi is also attending the University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs for her Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning. Before coming to the Twin Cities, Lexi was a 2010 Teach for America Corps Member in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. To contact her, you can call 612-343-6056 or email lexi.prahl@tcgennext.org
Current Openings with Generation Next
Generation Next – Leadership Council Members
Leadership Council Co-Chairs
- Dr. Eric Kaler, President, University of Minnesota
- Kim Nelson, Senior VP, External Relations, General Mills and President, General Mills Foundation
Leadership Council
- Mary K. Brainerd, CEO & President, HealthPartners
- Sarah Caruso, President & CEO, Greater Twin Cities United Way
- Christopher Coleman, Mayor, City of St. Paul
- Gary Cunningham, VP of Programs – Chief Program Officer, Northwest Area Foundation
- Rassoul Dastmozd, President, Saint Paul College
- Reba Dominski, Director Education and Community Relations, Target
- MayKao Hang, President & CEO, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
- Susan Heegaard, Vice President, Educational Advancement, Bush Foundation
- Bernadeia Johnson, Superintendent, Minneapolis Public Schools
- Julie Kleinschmidt, Ramsey County Manager
- Eric Mahmoud, Principal, Harvest Prep School – Seed Academy
- Carlos Mariani Rosa, Executive Director, Minnesota Minority Education Partnership
- Peter McLaughlin, Commissioner, Hennepin County
- Mark Murphy, VP Corporate Affairs – Director, Corporate Responsibility, Cargill
- Lynn Nordgren, President, Minneapolis Federation of Teachers
- David Olson, President, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
- Paul Pribbenow, President, Augsburg College
- Kim Price, Vice President Community Affairs & 3M Foundation, 3M
- Carleen Rhodes, President, The Saint Paul Foundation
- Mary Cathryn Ricker, President, St. Paul Federation of Teachers
- Steven Rosenstone, Chancellor, Minnesota State Colleges & Universities
- R. T. Rybak, Mayor, City of Minneapolis
- Valeria Silva, Superintendent, St. Paul Public Schools
- Sandra Vargas, President and CEO, The Minneapolis Foundation
- Charlie Weaver, Executive Director, Minnesota Business Partnership
- Kate Wolford, President, The McKnight Foundation