By Jerry Filmore
WORCESTER, Mass. The Worcester Educational Development Foundation has named Rosie Fayard as its new executive director, according to a June 10 announcement from the organization.
The Worcester Educational Development Foundation, known as WEDF, is a nonprofit organization that has supported Worcester Public Schools students and educators for more than 20 years through scholarships, classroom mini-grants, cultural enrichment programs, and community partnerships. More information about the organization is available through the Worcester Educational Development Foundation.
Fayard joins WEDF with more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, advancement, and community partnerships, according to the organization. She most recently served as vice president of advancement at Learning First Charter Public School in Worcester, where WEDF said she helped lead a $20 million initiative to acquire and renovate a new school building serving nearly 700 kindergarten through eighth-grade students.
Before that role, Fayard served as executive director of the Learning First Foundation. According to WEDF, her work there included rebuilding the organization’s board, donor base, branding, and strategic plan. Her earlier professional experience includes development and operations leadership roles at Old Colony YMCA in Brockton and West Suburban YMCA in Newton.
Matt Wally, president of the WEDF Board, said in the announcement that Fayard’s nonprofit leadership experience, Worcester roots, and commitment to students and families helped her stand out during the selection process.
“Rosie is exactly the leader WEDF needs at this moment,” Wally said in the announcement.
Fayard also said in the announcement that WEDF’s work must continue to respond to the changing needs of Worcester Public Schools students and families.
“WEDF is a wonderful organization that has been working for over 20 years to support the students of Worcester Public Schools,” Fayard said. “As the needs and demographics of our community evolve, so too must our work.”
According to WEDF, Fayard’s early priorities will include modernizing donor and partner systems, expanding the organization’s marketing and community presence, and leading development of the organization’s next strategic plan.
The strategic plan is expected to support WEDF’s continued work around signature programs, including Cultural LEAP Field Trips, scholarships, and Educator Mini-Grants. WEDF also said the planning process will identify new initiatives aligned with the evolving needs of Worcester Public Schools students and families.
The appointment is locally significant because WEDF’s work directly connects to Worcester Public Schools, which serves nearly 25,000 Pre-K through Grade 12 students across nearly 50 schools and programs, according to the organization’s release. WEDF described its work as focused on expanding access to resources and experiences for WPS students and educators.
Fayard holds a master’s degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from Springfield College and a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Theatre Arts from Bridgewater State University. She is a corporator with the YMCA of Central Massachusetts and a former board member of the Rotary Club of Worcester, according to WEDF.
The organization did not state Fayard’s official start date in the announcement.
The W.U.W. Verification Box
• Project / Topic: Worcester Educational Development Foundation names Rosie Fayard executive director
• Current Status: Announced by WEDF on June 10, 2026
• Key Dates or Decisions: WEDF announced Fayard as executive director on June 10, 2026
• Estimated Cost (if applicable): Not applicable
• Timeline (if known): Fayard’s official start date is pending official confirmation
• Immediate Next Steps: Fayard’s early priorities include donor and partner system updates, expanded marketing and community presence, and development of WEDF’s next strategic plan
• Primary Sources: Worcester Educational Development Foundation press release dated June 10, 2026; Worcester Educational Development Foundation website
• What We Do Not Yet Know: Official start date, details of the upcoming strategic planning process, and any future program changes are not yet determined
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