Hanna Skandera

Hanna Skandera brings a proven track record of transformative leadership to her role as president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. Joining the organization’s board in 2019 and taking the helm in 2021, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to impact and positively influencing American life.

Hanna is nationally recognized for her bold leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and focus on outcomes. As Secretary of Education in New Mexico under Governor Susana Martinez, Hanna realized significant improvements in academic achievement and effective management of a $2.7 billion budget. She previously served as Undersecretary for California Governor Schwarzenegger and as Deputy Commissioner for Florida Governor Jeb Bush, as well as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Education.

The Daniels Fund is a $1.7 billion philanthropic organization that equips people to reach their fullest potential. The Fund provides grants to highly effective nonprofits, has launched the National Civics Bee which is now in 115 cities across 28 states, and provides college scholarships to the next generation of America’s leaders. The Daniels Fund has given away $1 billion to hundreds of grantees and over 5,000 Daniels Scholars since its founding in 2000 by cable pioneer Bill Daniels.

In addition to her policy and business acumen, Hanna has served as visiting professor at the Pepperdine School of Public Policy, a Distinguished Teaching Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, and a research fellow with the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Pepperdine has honored her as both a Distinguished Alumna and an Outstanding Woman in Leadership.

Hanna serves on the boards of Risepoint, Daniels Fund, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, MGT, Newsela, and Philanthropy Roundtable. She resides in Denver with her young son.