About The Texas Impact Network
Our Mission
The Texas Impact Network was born from the recognition that public policy is only as good as its implementation. Change management takes a great deal of time and effort and school systems across Texas are already stretched thin. This is where the Texas Impact Network steps in – providing catalytic policy implementation support to remove the burden and bring additional resources to pioneering school systems who are working to implement these potentially game-changing policy solutions.
Our Vision
Our vision for the future of policy implementation is two-fold:
Network
We aim to build a network comprising hundreds of school systems and millions of students, representative of the diversity of Texas, with whom we have built strong relationships with and keep updated on meaningful policy changes and opportunities.
Catalytic Support
We will provide an engine of catalytic support for a representative set of school systems across Texas to turn meaningful policy into strong implementation impacting students. From this, we aim to build proof points that we can share widely about, as well as learn from what’s not working so that we can advocate for improvements to policy and regulation.
Our Strategy
We support pioneering school systems to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based strategies funded and incentivized by Texas state legislation. We work with regional and statewide partners to create proof points and blueprints for success and facilitate a network of peers sharing their best practices and strategies for assisting school systems in realizing the full funding potential of Texas’ student-centered education policies.
Partner Organizations
Desired Outcomes
Broad, diverse and effective implementation
A diverse spectrum of school system partners representing a variety of regions and sizes across Texas demonstrate the equitable potential of HB 3 and its innovative funding opportunities through meaningful implementation that leads to improved student outcomes.
Regional technical assistance capacity to ensure continued support
School systems are provided relevant technical assistance by partners invested in their success and aware of what the region needs because they also live there.
Preservation of Student-Centered State Policies
Policymakers are provided with a clear understanding of how their actions have driven student outcomes and encouraged to sustain and improve the commitments shown to have a positive impact.
Who We Serve
Our Team
Ben Mackey
Ben Mackey serves as the Executive Director of the Texas Impact Network, a statewide non-profit that supports pioneering school systems in designing, implementing, and evaluating the evidence-based practices and strategies that were made possible by Texas’s historic school finance reform (House Bill 3) which was passed into law in 2019.
Prior to joining the Texas Impact Network, Ben served as the Chief of Research Evaluation and Design in DeSoto ISD from 2019 – 2022 and as the principal of Dallas ISD’s School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) from 2013 to 2019 where TAG was named the #1 high school in the nation four times by U.S. News and World Report.
As the Chief of Research, Evaluation, and Design in DeSoto ISD Ben managed multiple departments and workstreams, including Data and Evaluation, Research and Design, Grants, Student Support Services, Advanced Academics and Technology. In the three years in DeSoto, DeSoto ISD grew from a state accountability rating of a 67 ‘D’ with 50% of schools in the system receiving a ‘D’ or ‘F’ in the 2017-18 school year, to an accountability rating of 83 ‘B’ and 0% of schools receiving a ‘D’ or ‘F’ in the 2021-22 school year. This was accomplished while grappling with the global COVID-19 pandemic and bringing DeSoto ISD from the brink of financial insolvency to a healthy fund balance of ~$17 million.
During Ben’s tenure as Principal of TAG Magnet, TAG revamped its application process with a focus on equity and access, resulting in TAG becoming a federally recognized Title 1 school for the first time. Over this same time, academic achievement soared, with TAG reaching all-time highs in SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement achievement, proving what’s possible for students regardless of the background they come from.
Ben currently serves on the Dallas ISD school board as the trustee representing District 7, which includes areas of North & Central Oak Cliff, Cockrell Hill, the Design District and Downtown. Ben earned his Masters in school leadership from Harvard University and Bachelors Degrees in finance and history from the University of Florida and began his career in education as a high school math teacher and baseball coach at West Bolivar High School in Rosedale, Mississippi.
Ben Mackey serves as the Executive Director of the Texas Impact Network, a statewide non-profit that supports pioneering school systems in designing, implementing, and evaluating the evidence-based practices and strategies that were made possible by Texas’s historic school finance reform (House Bill 3) which was passed into law in 2019.
Prior to joining the Texas Impact Network, Ben served as the Chief of Research Evaluation and Design in DeSoto ISD from 2019 – 2022 and as the principal of Dallas ISD’s School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) from 2013 to 2019 where TAG was named the #1 high school in the nation four times by U.S. News and World Report.
As the Chief of Research, Evaluation, and Design in DeSoto ISD Ben managed multiple departments and workstreams, including Data and Evaluation, Research and Design, Grants, Student Support Services, Advanced Academics and Technology. In the three years in DeSoto, DeSoto ISD grew from a state accountability rating of a 67 ‘D’ with 50% of schools in the system receiving a ‘D’ or ‘F’ in the 2017-18 school year, to an accountability rating of 83 ‘B’ and 0% of schools receiving a ‘D’ or ‘F’ in the 2021-22 school year. This was accomplished while grappling with the global COVID-19 pandemic and bringing DeSoto ISD from the brink of financial insolvency to a healthy fund balance of ~$17 million.
During Ben’s tenure as Principal of TAG Magnet, TAG revamped its application process with a focus on equity and access, resulting in TAG becoming a federally recognized Title 1 school for the first time. Over this same time, academic achievement soared, with TAG reaching all-time highs in SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement achievement, proving what’s possible for students regardless of the background they come from.
Ben currently serves on the Dallas ISD school board as the trustee representing District 7, which includes areas of North & Central Oak Cliff, Cockrell Hill, the Design District and Downtown. Ben earned his Masters in school leadership from Harvard University and Bachelors Degrees in finance and history from the University of Florida and began his career in education as a high school math teacher and baseball coach at West Bolivar High School in Rosedale, Mississippi.
Farhana Rabbi
As the deputy director of the Texas Impact Network, Farhana manages the daily operations of the program’s work streams with a particular emphasis on the components handled jointly by Educate Texas and the Commit Partnership.
Prior to joining TIN, Farhana was a program manager for United to Learn in Dallas, designing and implementing strategic tools, leading DEI development and managing community leadership programs. She also worked in Washington, D.C., for the state board of education, DC School Reform Now and Raise DC. She began her career with Teach for America in the Houston ISD.
She also serves as a freelance consultant and learning designer with collective impact partnerships, school districts and nonprofits across the country.
Farhana holds a bachelor’s in government, economics, and international relations and global studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s in education from Johns Hopkins.
As the deputy director of the Texas Impact Network, Farhana manages the daily operations of the program’s work streams with a particular emphasis on the components handled jointly by Educate Texas and the Commit Partnership.
Prior to joining TIN, Farhana was a program manager for United to Learn in Dallas, designing and implementing strategic tools, leading DEI development and managing community leadership programs. She also worked in Washington, D.C., for the state board of education, DC School Reform Now and Raise DC. She began her career with Teach for America in the Houston ISD.
She also serves as a freelance consultant and learning designer with collective impact partnerships, school districts and nonprofits across the country.
Farhana holds a bachelor’s in government, economics, and international relations and global studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s in education from Johns Hopkins.
Lynette Balkcom
Lynette is the Director of the Rural CCMR Accelerator Program at the Texas Impact Network. Prior to joining TIN, she primarily worked in public colleges and universities in Texas, including The University of Texas at Austin, University of North Texas, and Lone Star College System, where she led the system implementation of House Bill 5 and served as the statewide community college lead for the Texas Reverse Transfer Initiative. Lynette has spent her career serving underrepresented and underserved populations through policy implementation and educational partnerships to address gaps among secondary and postsecondary educational institutions.
She has a BA in Psychology, an MS in School Psychology, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education Administration with a minor in Educational Psychology.
Lynette is the Director of the Rural CCMR Accelerator Program at the Texas Impact Network. Prior to joining TIN, she primarily worked in public colleges and universities in Texas, including The University of Texas at Austin, University of North Texas, and Lone Star College System, where she led the system implementation of House Bill 5 and served as the statewide community college lead for the Texas Reverse Transfer Initiative. Lynette has spent her career serving underrepresented and underserved populations through policy implementation and educational partnerships to address gaps among secondary and postsecondary educational institutions.
She has a BA in Psychology, an MS in School Psychology, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education Administration with a minor in Educational Psychology.
Sarah Jensen
Sarah Jensen has widespread experience as an education advocate and is dedicated to expanding students’ access to and success in postsecondary education. As the daughter of a middle school librarian and high school band director, Sarah grew up in a household of public school educators. Her own dedication to education was developed prior to graduate school during her time as an Admissions Representative for Texas Lutheran University counseling prospective students on admissions and financial aid.
Prior to joining the Texas Impact Netwok, Sarah served as the Research Analyst for the National Math and Science Initiative. In that role, she produced case studies highlighting the impact of NMSI’s teacher professional development program on teacher practices and student performance. Sarah also provided analysis on trends, issues, and perspectives in education and published findings through print and online media. While in graduate school, Sarah interned for the Texas Senate Committee on Education and the Government Affairs division of UT Arlington. She was also a Graduate Intern for The Meadows Foundation in Dallas where she assisted in the foundation’s strategic planning process.
Sarah earned a Master of Public Affairs degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin and graduated from Trinity University with a B.A. in Political Science and Communication.
Sarah Jensen has widespread experience as an education advocate and is dedicated to expanding students’ access to and success in postsecondary education. As the daughter of a middle school librarian and high school band director, Sarah grew up in a household of public school educators. Her own dedication to education was developed prior to graduate school during her time as an Admissions Representative for Texas Lutheran University counseling prospective students on admissions and financial aid.
Prior to joining the Texas Impact Netwok, Sarah served as the Research Analyst for the National Math and Science Initiative. In that role, she produced case studies highlighting the impact of NMSI’s teacher professional development program on teacher practices and student performance. Sarah also provided analysis on trends, issues, and perspectives in education and published findings through print and online media. While in graduate school, Sarah interned for the Texas Senate Committee on Education and the Government Affairs division of UT Arlington. She was also a Graduate Intern for The Meadows Foundation in Dallas where she assisted in the foundation’s strategic planning process.
Sarah earned a Master of Public Affairs degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin and graduated from Trinity University with a B.A. in Political Science and Communication.
Yvonne Alm
Yvonne serves as the Deputy Director, Programs, Effective Teaching and Leading. In this role, Yvonne leads work to support school district human capital systems across the state of Texas to ensure all students have access to the effective teachers and leaders they need.
Yvonne previously served in the Best in Class initiative for Educate Texas during which she was responsible for managing and leading key initiatives including the expansion of the ACE school model.
Prior to joining CFT, Yvonne worked in Leadership Pipeline Development in Dallas ISD, working to develop highly effective future principals. Yvonne started her career as a teacher and leader in Dallas at Uplift Education.
Yvonne holds a bachelor’s in public relations from Pepperdine University, a master’s in educational leadership from Southern Methodist University, an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business and a post-graduate certificate in education finance from Georgetown University.
Yvonne serves as the Deputy Director, Programs, Effective Teaching and Leading. In this role, Yvonne leads work to support school district human capital systems across the state of Texas to ensure all students have access to the effective teachers and leaders they need.
Yvonne previously served in the Best in Class initiative for Educate Texas during which she was responsible for managing and leading key initiatives including the expansion of the ACE school model.
Prior to joining CFT, Yvonne worked in Leadership Pipeline Development in Dallas ISD, working to develop highly effective future principals. Yvonne started her career as a teacher and leader in Dallas at Uplift Education.
Yvonne holds a bachelor’s in public relations from Pepperdine University, a master’s in educational leadership from Southern Methodist University, an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business and a post-graduate certificate in education finance from Georgetown University.
Karla Lainez
Karla Lainez was born in Houston, TX, but grew up in Pleasant Grove and attended Dallas ISD schools.
Prior to joining the Commit Partnership, Karla taught in Dallas for over five years, where she worked with students of exceptional ability. This inspired her to join Deloitte where, during her time at the firm as an Executive Coordinator, Karla supported over ten principals, partners and managing directors in various areas such as Cyber Security, Healthcare, Government Relations, Tax & Audit. She gained valuable experience, developed project management skills, problem solving skills, and built strong relationships with leaders.
While she knew the firm would continue to be successful, her community, Pleasant Grove had been evolving over the years, but at a slower rate, since she left in 2012 for college, and she felt she had a duty to support students in her community. As a former Dallas ISD teacher, Karla knew she needed to find a way to contribute to her community in a meaningful way. She wanted to provide students with the same educational and career opportunities and support she had. Joining Commit aligned with her mission to provide every student regardless of race, social economic background to earn a living wage.
Karla Lainez was born in Houston, TX, but grew up in Pleasant Grove and attended Dallas ISD schools.
Prior to joining the Commit Partnership, Karla taught in Dallas for over five years, where she worked with students of exceptional ability. This inspired her to join Deloitte where, during her time at the firm as an Executive Coordinator, Karla supported over ten principals, partners and managing directors in various areas such as Cyber Security, Healthcare, Government Relations, Tax & Audit. She gained valuable experience, developed project management skills, problem solving skills, and built strong relationships with leaders.
While she knew the firm would continue to be successful, her community, Pleasant Grove had been evolving over the years, but at a slower rate, since she left in 2012 for college, and she felt she had a duty to support students in her community. As a former Dallas ISD teacher, Karla knew she needed to find a way to contribute to her community in a meaningful way. She wanted to provide students with the same educational and career opportunities and support she had. Joining Commit aligned with her mission to provide every student regardless of race, social economic background to earn a living wage.
Founding Partners
John Fitzpatrick, Co-Founder
John is the executive director of Educate Texas, the Communities Foundation of Texas’ statewide education initiative. From 1997-2004, John had a dual role as the executive director of Skillpoint Alliance, a central Texas nonprofit, and vice president for education and workforce development at the Austin Chamber of Commerce. John moved to Texas in 1994 to attend grad school at the LBJ School at UT Austin, where he met his wife, Kristen Vassallo. Before that, he worked on Capitol Hill for Republicans and Democrats on education, workforce development, trade and other issues.
Todd Williams, Co-Founder
Todd is the founding Chairman and CEO of The Commit Partnership, the nation’s largest educational collective impact organization. He also served for eight years as the Education Policy Advisor to former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. Todd is a senior trustee and former board chair for Austin College, one of the region’s leading liberal arts institutions located in Sherman, Texas. In 2017, Todd was appointed to the year-long Texas Commission on Public School Finance by Governor Greg Abbott and chaired its Outcome Committee. A public school graduate from Bryan Adams H.S. in Dallas ISD, Todd earned an M.B.A. with distinction from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 1989 and graduated with a B.A. in Economics from Austin College in Sherman, Texas in 1982.
Bridget Worley, Co-Founder
Bridget Worley is the Chief of State Impact for the Commit Partnership. Prior to her current role, she served as Executive Director of the Texas Impact Network. She started her career in education as a second- and third-grade teacher at Clinton Elementary School in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, and then spent time working in governmental relations at Van Scoyoc Associates in her hometown of Washington, DC.
In 2012, Bridget moved back to Louisiana to serve as the Policy Advisor to the then-newly elected and appointed Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). After her time at BESE, she joined the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) as the Policy Director, leading the state’s policy agenda around major initiatives including standards and accountability, teacher evaluations, parent choice, and early childhood education. Bridget transitioned to the LDOE executive team in 2015 and worked alongside Superintendent John White as the Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer. She oversaw communications, staffing and professional development, a $150 million operating budget, the annual strategic planning process, and all key organizational decisions for the Department before joining the Texas Impact Network in October 2019.
“We’re proud to work alongside innovative, student-centered school leaders and partners to implement potentially powerful policies with fidelity.”
Ben Mackey, Executive Director of the Texas Impact Network
