ABOUT US
The National Association for the Transformation of Adult Education (NAFTAE) was founded on a simple belief: transforming adult education requires a dedicated national voice for advocacy, public policy, and systems change.
For decades, the COABE has served as the professional home for adult educators, strengthening the field through professional development, leadership, networking, and innovation. As the adult education movement continued to grow, so did the need for a national organization focused exclusively on advancing public policy, building cross-sector partnerships, conducting research, and elevating adult education as a national priority.
That need led to the creation of NAFTAE.
ABOUT US
The National Association for the Transformation of Adult Education (NAFTAE) was founded on a simple belief: transforming adult education requires a dedicated national voice for advocacy, public policy, and systems change.
For decades, COABE has served as the professional home for adult educators, strengthening the field through professional development, leadership, networking, and innovation. As the adult education movement continued to grow, so did the need for a national organization focused exclusively on advancing public policy, building cross-sector partnerships, conducting research, and elevating adult education as a national priority.
That need led to the creation of NAFTAE.
Transforming Adult Education
NAFTAE is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming adult education through advocacy, policy, research, and strategic collaboration. While COABE empowers practitioners and leaders with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to succeed, NAFTAE works to shape the policies, partnerships, and public awareness that make lasting progress possible.
Structure
Both organizations are separate affiliates of the Educate & Elevate Foundation. Each has its own mission, leadership, governance, and strategic priorities, while collaborating to advance a shared vision: ensuring every adult has access to the education, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive in work, life, and their communities.
Collaboration
NAFTAE brings together educators, employers, workforce leaders, researchers, policymakers, philanthropies, community organizations, and industry partners to develop innovative solutions to the nation's most pressing education and workforce challenges. Through bold advocacy, evidence-based policy, strategic partnerships, and forward-looking initiatives, we work to ensure adult education is recognized as an essential investment in America's workforce, economy, and future.
Executive Director
Erin Vobornik
Erin Vobornik is a national leader in adult education advocacy, leadership development, and grassroots engagement. As Executive Director for the National Association for the Transformation of Adult Education (NAFTAE), she leads national strategies that strengthen the field's advocacy capacity, develop emerging leaders, and mobilize educators and adult learners to influence policy at the local, state, and federal levels.
Erin chairs the nationally recognized State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship (SAAEF), a year-long advocacy leadership program that equips advocates across the country to advance adult education policy within their states. She also oversees NAFTAE's Ambassador Program, preparing adult learners to serve as confident advocates and storytellers, and leads Flood the Hill, the association's signature annual national advocacy event that brings adult education champions to Washington, D.C., to meet directly with members of Congress.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors brings together leaders who understand that adult education is essential to a strong workforce, thriving communities, and a competitive economy. United by a shared commitment to innovation, advocacy, and opportunity, they help shape NAFTAE's strategic direction while championing policies and partnerships that empower adult learners, strengthen employers, and transform lives.
Board Chair
Cathy Tyler
Director of Accreditation, Workforce Development, and Customer Service, National Center for Construction, Education, and Research
Board Member
Rebecca Eller-Molitas
Director of CTE Engagement, National Roofing Contractors Association
Board Member
Heather Tharp
Career Development Coordinator, Southern Educational Services Cooperative
Board Member
Andrea “Dre” Clements
Regional Specialist, Roanoke Valley Alleghany Region 5 Adult Education
Board Member
Dannielle Doyle
President, Essential Education
NAFTAE is the voice of adult education, advancing the field of adult education through strategic advocacy, public policy leadership, and national awareness efforts.
