Founding Partner and CEO

Sarah Ancel

Sarah Ancel founded Student-Ready Strategies to accelerate the nation's progress toward a more equitable postsecondary system that serves all students. Sarah has a unique combination of local, state and national experience in higher education policy and practice and a proven record of successful student-focused reforms.

Partner and Chief Strategy Officer

Vanessa Keadle

Vanessa Keadle, Ed.D., serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for Student-Ready Strategies. In this role, she supports efforts to help more education leaders, institutions, and systems transform through policy and process evaluation, strategic planning and agenda-setting, custom implementation support, and myriad other student-centered, equity-focused higher education services.

Vice President of Operations and Partnerships

Josclynn Brandon

Josclynn Brandon, Ed.D., serves as the Director of Equity Projects at SRS, where her primary responsibilities include project management, research, and data analysis with an equity lens. She contributes years of higher education experience in research, student affairs, and as an instructor.

Vice President of Postsecondary Strategy

Abbey Ivey

Abbey Ivey, Ed.D., serves as the Director of Policy and Research at Student-Ready Strategies. As a higher education professional with experience at both the state and institutional levels, Abbey has years of experience serving students in a variety of capacities focused on student access, acceleration, progression, transfer, and success.

Director of Postsecondary Strategy

Larry Locke

Larry Locke, Ph.D., serves as the Director of Postsecondary Strategy. With over 10 years of full-time direct service to students across multiple institutional types in four different states, Larry is inspired by his students and their activism to explore ways he could support macro issues related to student access and success.

Director of Postsecondary Strategy

Kata Traxler

Kata Traxler, Ph.D., is the Director of Postsecondary Strategy, recently joining Student-Ready Strategies and bringing with her extensive experience in student support across private and public institutions in areas such as admissions, multicultural affairs, DEI, residential life, and academic advising.

Executive Assistant

Jay Savage

Jay Savage joins Student-Ready Strategies as a dedicated education professional with a diverse background spanning primary, secondary, and higher education. Her journey in the field began with four impactful years in special education, where she developed individualized education plans for students with learning delays. This experience solidified her commitment to creating equitable learning environments and tailored support for student success.