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Danette Parsley
Chief Executive Officer

Hi! My name is Danette Parsley, and I am the Chief Executive Officer here at Marzano Research. I am also one of three principal owners of the company. I bring over two decades of experience leading people and projects to support school systems in pursuing evidence-based change.  

I am an expert in school system improvement, professional learning networks, rural education, research-practice partnerships, and out-of-school-time programs and practices. I have led dozens of large-scale projects supporting the efforts of schools, districts, and state education agencies in improving student outcomes. My leadership drive centers around helping Marzano Research staff combine deep content, scientific inquiry, and system improvement expertise with a wealth of practical experience to support partners in improving education systems, practices, and outcomes for all learners. With this comes a passion for creating conditions for individuals, teams, and organizations to develop and thrive.   

Finding opportunities to serve my mission outside work is also very important to me. I serve in the following roles: 

• Elected board member for the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI), 
• International Advisory Board member for the Canadian Playful Schools Network (CPSN), 
• Court-appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster youth who have been abused and neglected. 

I grew up in Nebraska and, although I’ve been steadily making my way West over time, those midwestern roots are still with me. Along the way, I received a doctorate in organizational change from Pepperdine University and a master’s degree in educational psychology, research, and evaluation methodology, from the University of Colorado at Denver. I now live in Portland, Oregon with my adorable and spunky pup, Charlie. 

Contact Danette