Rob Birdsell
About Rob Birdsell
Rob Birdsell is the President of Catholic Virtual and a seasoned leader in expanding educational opportunities, with significant contributions to Catholic and choice-based education initiatives.
Rob Birdsell – President of Catholic Virtual
Rob Birdsell serves as the President of Catholic Virtual. His role involves spearheading initiatives for online Catholic education, emphasizing accessibility and quality. Catholic Virtual focuses on delivering comprehensive virtual learning experiences rooted in Catholic values. Under Birdsell's leadership, the organization aims to expand its reach and impact within the global educational community.
Rob Birdsell's Career in Jesuit High Schools
Rob Birdsell began his career teaching in Jesuit High Schools. His early involvement in education laid the foundation for a career deeply embedded in the principles of Jesuit pedagogy. His experience in these schools provided him with the skills and understanding necessary to lead educational initiatives and programs rooted in faith-based education.
Leadership in Cristo Rey Network's Expansion
As CEO, Rob Birdsell led the national expansion of the Cristo Rey Network. The network is dedicated to providing quality, affordable education to young people in urban communities across the United States. During his tenure, Birdsell focused on strategic growth and expansion, ensuring that more communities could benefit from the Cristo Rey model.
Rob Birdsell's Role in the Drexel Fund
Rob Birdsell was both a founder and director of the Drexel Fund, a venture philanthropy fund with a mission to expand school choice. The Drexel Fund supports educational entrepreneurs and campaigns to create high-quality educational opportunities for children, focusing on those in underserved areas. Birdsell's involvement helped steer the fund towards significant milestones in education reform.
International Impact with Amerigo Education
Rob Birdsell was instrumental in founding Amerigo Education, where he served as an executive vice president. Amerigo Education partners with schools to enhance their international student programs. Birdsell continues to support Amerigo in his capacity as Senior Advisor, leveraging his expertise to further their mission of providing international students with robust educational opportunities.
Rob Birdsell's Association with Aspen Institute
Rob Birdsell is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and a Fellow of the Aspen Institute. These roles align him with a global community of leaders who seek to address critical societal issues. Birdsell's participation underscores his commitment to leadership and his engagement with broader educational and social challenges.
Educational Background of Rob Birdsell
Rob Birdsell is an alum of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, reflecting a solid undergraduate education. He obtained his MBA from the Lubar School at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, equipping him with advanced business and management skills essential for his extensive career in educational leadership.
Academic Contributions of Rob Birdsell
Rob Birdsell has shared his knowledge and expertise through teaching courses at DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago. His involvement in higher education enables him to impact a new generation of students, bringing practical and leadership insights to academic settings.
Rob Birdsell's Board Memberships
Rob Birdsell serves on the Board of Loyola Press and has been involved with several other educational boards, including Alain Locke Charter School and the Jesuit Virtual Learning Academy. Additionally, he was a Commissioner for the American Center for School Choice’s Commission on Faith-based Schools. These roles allow him to influence educational policy and practice significantly.