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Dr. Anya Hurwitz to step down in June 2027 following nearly 13 years of leadership as SEAL prepares for its next chapter
MILPITAS, CA, Sept. 29, 2026 - SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) announced that Executive Director Anya Hurwitz, Ed.D., will step down in June 2027, concluding nearly 13 years of leadership and service advancing educational opportunities for multilingual learners. Hurwitz will remain in her role through the transition, working closely with the Board and leadership team to ensure continuity for SEAL’s staff, partners, funders, and the educators and students at the heart of its work.
Under Hurwitz’s leadership, SEAL has grown its reach and influence, serving more than 50,000 students and 2,400 educators across 342 school sites, while deepening its evidence-based approach to professional learning and expanding its impact across California and beyond. She has also helped build a strong organization and team grounded in a shared commitment to multilingual learners, educational excellence, and partnership with the communities SEAL serves.
Most recently, Hurwitz led SEAL through the development of a new three-year strategic plan that positions the organization to expand its impact, strengthen its partnerships, and respond to the evolving needs of multilingual learners and the educators who serve them.
“Anya has led SEAL through a remarkable period of growth and evolution while remaining deeply grounded in the students, educators, and communities at the heart of our mission,” said John Matthew Sobrato, Chair of SEAL’s Board of Directors and the Search Committee. “Because of her leadership, SEAL enters this transition from a position of strength, with an exceptional team, a clear strategic direction, and tremendous opportunity ahead. The Board is deeply grateful for Anya’s leadership and is committed to a thoughtful search for the leader who will guide SEAL into its next chapter.”
“I’m incredibly proud of what we have built together at SEAL and grateful to the extraordinary team, partners, and community who have made this work possible,” said Hurwitz. “SEAL is strong, our direction is clear, and there is important work ahead. I’m excited to support a thoughtful transition and to see SEAL continue to grow its impact for multilingual learners.”
To identify its next Executive Director, SEAL’s Board of Directors has engaged NPAG, a national executive search firm specializing in mission-driven organizations. The national search launches today, with the Board anticipating the selection of SEAL’s next leader in Spring 2027. The position profile and application details are now available at NPAG website.
SEAL’s programs, partnerships, research, and advocacy will continue without interruption throughout the leadership transition.
View the Executive Director Search and Profile here
Download the Position Description PDF
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