Penny Schwinn

Penny (Lee) Schwinn is an executive with two decades of experience in education policy and systems leadership. As Tennessee’s Education Commissioner, she led major reforms including a new school funding formula, a comprehensive literacy strategy, the nation’s largest high-dosage tutoring program, and the first federally recognized teacher apprenticeship.

These efforts were reflected in the 2024 NAEP: Tennessee ranked #1 nationally in 8th-grade math improvement, rose 10+ places in all four core assessments—the only state to do so—and placed in the top 25 nationally in both math and reading for the first time in state history. A University of Oklahoma analysis ranked Tennessee #1 among SEC states and 17th nationally, up from 30th when she took office.

Schwinn now serves as an Operating Partner at The Vistria Group and a Senior Advisor to Emerson Collective and Whiteboard Advisors. She advises leaders across public, private, and philanthropic sectors on scaling measurable student outcomes, bringing a rare combination of government leadership, operational experience, and results-driven execution. She holds degrees from UC Berkeley, Johns Hopkins, and CGU.