Jamie Downs
Partner
Transcend
Jamie Downs is a seasoned education leader with over 15 years of experience transforming schools and advancing equity-focused innovation. As Partner, System Stakeholder Lead at Transcend, Jamie works alongside superintendents, system leaders, and educators to redesign learning environments that support all students in thriving. Previously, Jamie served as Chief Schools Officer for Meeting Street Schools in Charleston, SC, where he led academic initiatives and leadership development across the network. During his 14 years with YES Prep Public Schools in Houston, TX, Jamie founded YES Prep Eisenhower, achieving 100% college readiness for students, and served as Lead Principal at YES Prep Southside, coaching aspiring principals and leading a 900-student campus. Jamie began his career as a Teach For America corps member, teaching sixth-grade English and later becoming an assistant principal. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, an MBA from Rice University, and is pursuing his Ed.D. in Urban Education Leadership at Columbia University. Jamie is driven by a commitment to creating transformative learning experiences that center equity, student voice, and innovation.