ECMC Group Appoints Julie Goonewardene and Kevin Gordon to Board of Directors

MINNEAPOLIS—ECMC Group, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit focused on helping students succeed, today announced the appointment of Julie Goonewardene and Kevin Gordon to its Board of Directors. ECMC Group and its family of companies provide financial tools and services, as well as funding for innovative programs, to help students achieve their academic and professional goals.

“Julie and Kevin each bring deep experience across higher education, public policy, finance and governance, which will enhance our ability to positively impact the lives of students, now and into the future,” said Jim McKeon, chairman of the board, ECMC Group. “We welcome their unique perspectives as we continue advancing our work across the education landscape.”

Goonewardene’s 30-year career has spanned technology, entrepreneurship, and large-scale public higher education leadership. She is a seasoned executive, company founder, and board leader known for turning vision into results. She also has extensive experience aligning strategy and operations to drive long-term impact. Most recently, Goonewardene served as senior advisor to the chancellor and chief talent and innovation officer for the University of Texas System, leading talent and initiatives across 14 institutions serving more than 250,000 students.

“I am passionately aligned with ECMC Group’s mission to improve student outcomes and financial empowerment, and I am eager to contribute my strategic insight, operational expertise, and collaborative leadership to advance the organization’s goals,” said Goonewardene.

Gordon is a seasoned education finance and policy leader with more than 30 years of experience working at the nexus of state government, postsecondary systems, and public education funding. He has strong insight into public higher education and community college systems and has also worked with major national foundations. Gordon is the founding partner and president of Capitol Advisors Group, where he advises California’s State Legislature, state agencies, and K-12 and higher education institutions on budget and fiscal policy.

“The incredibly meaningful role that ECMC Group is positioned to play in shaping student centered change and innovation is very exciting to me,” said Gordon. “I believe my extensive experience in so many of the aspects of ECMC Group’s focus would allow me to make important contributions to the board governance of the organization.”

The appointment is effective immediately.

“Julie and Kevin have spent much of their professional careers committed to improving educational opportunities for postsecondary students,” said Dan Fisher, president and CEO of ECMC Group. “I look forward to the insight, leadership, and commitment they will bring to our organization as we continue working to support students and strengthen pathways to education and career success.”

About ECMC Group
ECMC Group is a nonprofit corporation focused on helping students succeed by creating, providing, and investing in innovative educational opportunities. Headquartered in Minneapolis, ECMC Group and its family of companies provide financial tools and services, as well as funding for innovative programs to help students achieve their academic and professional goals. To learn more, visit www.ecmcgroup.org.