Welcome New Member Lynne Munson
Learning Ally’s impact—reaching millions of students with reading differences nationwide—doesn’t happen by accident. Behind the organization’s innovation and growth is a dedicated Board of Directors: a group of mission-driven leaders who help steer strategy, ensure strong governance, and champion equity in literacy access.
This month, Learning Ally proudly welcomes Lynne Munson, Founder and CEO Emerita of Great Minds®, to its National Board of Directors. Her commitment to high-quality, knowledge-rich education aligns deeply with Learning Ally’s mission to help every learner read, thrive, and fulfill their potential.
Below is a closer look at the role Learning Ally’s Board plays, and why leaders like Lynne are essential to our work.
What the Learning Ally Board Does
Learning Ally’s Board members bring expertise in education, leadership, nonprofit management, policy, research, and innovation. Their role is comprehensive and deeply influential, helping ensure the organization remains strong, future-focused, and mission-aligned.
1. Setting Strategic Direction
Board members help chart the path forward for one of the nation’s leading nonprofits supporting students with dyslexia and other reading differences. They guide long-range planning, evaluate emerging opportunities, and ensure all initiatives align with Learning Ally’s mission and vision.
2. Ensuring Governance and Stewardship
The Board provides oversight for organizational performance, financial health, and operational integrity. This includes reviewing policies, plans, and budgets to ensure responsible, sustainable growth.
3. Expanding Impact Through Ambassadorship
Board members serve as advocates—connecting Learning Ally to new networks, partnerships, school systems, and philanthropic supporters. Their reach accelerates Learning Ally’s ability to expand equitable access nationwide.
4. Supporting Fundraising and Philanthropic Leadership
Each Board member helps build relationships with donors, sponsors, and strategic partners committed to literacy equity.
5. Engaging in Organizational Life
They participate in quarterly Board meetings, serve on committees, and support Learning Ally events—directly influencing programming, outreach, and community partnerships.
Why Leaders Like Lynne Munson Matter
Learning Ally’s mission has been grounded in equity since 1948, when Anne T. MacDonald founded Recording for the Blind to support WWII veterans returning to education (a history rooted in expanding access long before accessibility became a national focus).
Today’s Board continues that legacy by bringing in leaders who share a commitment to high standards and opportunity for all learners.
With a background spanning national curriculum design, cultural leadership, and federal service, Lynne Munson brings:
- A deep understanding of what high-quality instruction requires
- A proven track record of scaling educational innovation
- National experience in cross-sector leadership and advocacy
- A strong commitment to helping students access rigorous content
Her expertise strengthens Learning Ally’s efforts to ensure students with reading differences can independently access the same rich, culturally relevant, grade-level texts as their peers.
A Strong Board Means Stronger Outcomes for Students
The Board’s commitment ensures Learning Ally can:
- Build innovative reading solutions
- Expand educator training and support
- Advocate nationally for accessibility and literacy equity
- Scale impact through partnerships with districts and states
- Continue the 75+ years of empowering struggling readers
This work is possible because leaders join us in believing that all students should have equal opportunities to learn and succeed. Click here to meet the rest of Learning Ally’s board members.
We’re excited to welcome Lynne Munson and look forward to the expertise she brings to our mission.