National Heritage Academies serves more than 58,000 students around the country through their network of 87 public charter schools in nine states. Started by J.C. Huizenga after the birth of his son when he began thinking education from a parent’s perspective. He believed every child should have the opportunity to receive a great education and schools should be held accountable to produce results. This led J.C. to open his first National Heritage Academies school in 1995 – Excel Charter Academy – and his belief continues to drive their mission forward today with Brian Britton at the helm as NHA’s President and CEO.

Jeanne had a chance to talk with Brian about his career, J.C.’s vision of NHA and the impact J.C. has made in education, and CER’s upcoming Silver Anniversary Summit and Gala where J.C. will be honored as a Silver Honoree, October 25-26, 2018 in Miami, Florida.