Experienced education leader joins the Foundation June 2
August Hamilton, an innovative leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing educational opportunity across Greater Houston, will join Houston Endowment on June 2 as Program Director, Education. Hamilton will lead Houston Endowment’s education strategy and grantmaking across three priority areas: Effective Educators, Postsecondary Success, and Statewide Advocacy.
Hamilton brings to the role deep expertise in building collaborative solutions that improve outcomes for all students and a strong track record of public sector and nonprofit leadership.
“We believe that every student should graduate with real choices for their future,” said Tabitha Rice, Vice President of Programs at Houston Endowment. “August’s deep roots in the community, his collaborative spirit, and his proven ability to drive systems-level change make him an ideal partner for grantees and stakeholders from across the community who are working hard to address the needs of Houston’s students and families.”
Hamilton began his career in education as a Teach For America corps member at Stevenson Middle School in Houston Independent School District, the state’s largest school system with more than 176,000 students across 274 campuses. He went on to become an administrator at Jack Yates High School and later served in key leadership roles at the district level, including General Manager of Strategy and Innovation, Executive Officer in the Deputy Superintendent’s Office, and ultimately, the district’s Chief of Staff.
While at HISD, Hamilton helped to launch EMERGE, a nationally recognized program that prepares high-achieving students from underserved communities for college success. As EMERGE Senior Program Manager, he oversaw initiatives such as the Future Scholars Institute and SAT Boot Camp, and supported the enrollment of more than 200 low-income students at top-tier colleges and universities. He was a founding board member of BridgeYear, a Houston-based nonprofit that connects students to certifications and career pathways in high-growth industries.
Most recently, Hamilton served as Principal for Educational Initiatives at Concentric Community Advisors, where he worked at the intersection of education and housing policy, helping design public-private partnerships to increase access to affordable housing across Texas.
Hamilton holds a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, an MBA from Rice University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Texas at Austin.
“Philanthropy has a powerful role to play in creating the conditions for student success, especially when it’s grounded in trust and strong community partnerships,” said Hamilton. “I’m honored to join Houston Endowment and work alongside so many dedicated organizations to help ensure every Houston student has a path to a bright future.”
Hamilton lives in Houston with his wife and their 2-year-old son. They are expecting a second son this summer.
Houston Endowment will host a partner meet-and-greet with Hamilton following the summer months.