Uplift Education Names Next CEO in Transition Plan; Endowment Campaign in the Works

Uplift Education is entering a leadership transition as Remy Washington is set to become CEO of the Dallas-based charter school network in January. She’ll succeed Yasmin Bhatia, who will retire at the end of December after 15 years in the role.

Bhatia’s tenure saw Uplift grow into one of the largest and most recognized charter networks in Texas—now serving more than 23,000 students across 45 schools in North Texas. The organization has maintained a 100% college acceptance rate for graduating seniors for over two decades.

“This transition reflects Uplift’s commitment to thoughtful leadership succession and long-term mission stability,” said Dr. Lael Melville, board chair. “We’re grateful for Yasmin’s visionary service—and confident that Dr. Washington will lead Uplift boldly into its next era.”

From president to CEO

Washington currently serves as president of Uplift and was selected for the top job after a national search led by Russell Reynolds and the Uplift board. The organization cited her deep connection to its mission and her strong record in advancing academic performance and postsecondary success.

A lasting legacy, and a first-ever endowment campaign

While stepping down from day-to-day leadership, Bhatia isn’t going far. She’ll continue working with Uplift as a volunteer, leading the network’s first-ever endowment campaign to mark its upcoming 30th anniversary.

“Uplift is more than a school network—we are a catalyst for regional and statewide change,” Bhatia said. “With this endowment, we will ensure that every scholar continues to benefit from the programs that set Uplift apart—and protect those programs from future funding shortfalls.”

Despite the network’s strong outcomes, she added, “Uplift is not funded at a level that reflects the scale or impact of that success.”