Dhanfu E. Elston

Senior Vice President for Strategy & Chief of Staff @Complete College America

Indianapolis, IN, US

Established in 2009, Complete College America is a bold national advocate for dramatically increasing college completion rates and closing equity gaps by working with states, systems, institutions, and partners to scale highly effective structural reforms and promote policies that improve student success- Provide strategic counsel on key initiatives to the President and other senior leaders within CCA- Coordinate relationships with the CCA Alliance of 49 U.S. States/territories Governor’s Offices and higher education state-wide systems on their college completion efforts- Liaise with strategic partners to create and maintain collaborative relationships- Manage strategic communications- Partner with internal program teams to ensure alignment of strategic priorities, programming, fundraising, accounting, and operational functions- Write online blogs and other articles related to contemporary issues facing postsecondary education- Make public speeches including keynote addresses and panel presentations regarding CCA strategies and foci- Lead multiple initiatives designed to create strategic clarity and long-term organization sustainability- Developed the organization’s equity scaling standards and lead the strategic planning for diversity, equity, and inclusion- Serve as the staff liaison to the Board of Directors.

Clark Atlanta University

B.S.

Clark Atlanta University

M.A.

Georgia State University

Ph.D.