Fight For Children announced today that Keith Gordon has assumed the role of President & CEO of Fight For Children following the retirement of Michela English on December 31, 2016. Gordon joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer in March of 2015.

The late Joseph E. Robert, Jr. started Fight For Children in 1994 with the belief that all children - regardless of their circumstance in life - deserved an equal shot at a great education. Fight For Children works to improve the quality of early childhood education so that all DC students are engaged, ready to learn and on a path to future success. Today, Fight For Children operates a combination of highly effective programs in public, public charter and private schools throughout Washington, DC with a focus on children ages three to eight.

Since joining Fight For Children, Gordon has played an integral role in the organization’s management, operation and strategic planning, helping increase awareness of its mission and plotting the course for future growth. Gordon also led the push for changes to the organization’s primary fundraiser, Fight Night, including increased partnership and support which lead to surpassing the $5 million mark in 2015 and 2016.

“Along with a clear passion for our mission, Keith brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial leadership, experience and a strong sense of business and partnership development skills,” said Raul Fernandez, Vice Chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment and chairman of Fight for Children’s Board of Directors.” I look forward to the continued growth and success of the organization under his leadership.”

“Fight For Children has been an agent of positive change for children in Washington, DC for nearly 30 years,” commented Gordon. “It’s an honor to be part of such an incredible team, and to lead the organization into its next phase of growth.”

Prior to joining Fight For Children, Gordon served as the President of National Football League Players Incorporated, a unit of the National Football League’s Players Association, where he spent six years successfully leading the organization during a key time of growth and expansion. He previously held positions at The Lavidge Company in Scottsdale, Arizona where he oversaw their sports marketing division. He also spent seven years at the National Basketball Association where he was part of the team marketing and business operations (TMBO) group, and ultimately led business development for their global merchandising group. Gordon has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Arizona State University and is active in many civic and community-based groups in the region, including the DC chapter of YPO.

In this role, Gordon succeeds Michela English who served as part of the organization since 2006. English will remain involved as an active member of the Fight For Children Board of Directors.

About Fight for Children

Fight For Children was founded more than 26 years ago and today works to improve the quality of early childhood education in Washington, DC. Fight For Children’s signature early childhood education program, Joe’s Champs, operates in 16 schools with 50 school leaders, 225 teachers and 4,500 students. More than 85% of children reached through Fight For Children programs come from low-income families within the District. Fight For Children works across sectors and communities to improve quality early childhood education experiences so that all children have the foundation necessary to succeed in third grade and beyond. For further information, please visit www.fightforchildren.org