Adam Powell is originally from Montgomery, Alabama and is the son of a state trooper and social worker. He is a proud 2005 graduate of Jackson State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, and he also holds a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Inspired by the hard work, perseverance, and dedication of his parents, Powell has committed his life to fulfilling the needs of others, specifically in the field of education.
In September 2019, Powell began serving as President & CEO of Communities in Schools (CIS) in the Dallas, TX. Prior to joining CIS Dallas, he served as the Vice President of College Possible, a national college access and success organization. In that role, he was responsible for performance in fundraising, program delivery, staff management and development, site board development, and community relations across all sites, including Seattle, Portland, Minnesota, Chicago, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Omaha.
Before joining College Possible, Powell served as leader of several education organizations in a variety of capacities, including Director of Strategic Planning, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Director. Working with Dallas mayors such as Mike Rawlings and Tom Leppert, he was instrumental in designing and implementing the Mayor’s Intern Fellows Program, now one of the largest high school intern programs in the country. In 2017, Powell, in conjunction with Mayor Rawlings, founded the Mayor’s Cup, a public debate partnership between the City of Dallas and Dallas Urban Debaters focused on some of society’s most divisive issues.
Along with his professional responsibilities, Powell has been active in several community organizations, including the Southern Dallas P-16 Council, the Mayor’s Star Council, the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee and the National College Access Network. He has spoken to groups across the country on behalf of the United Negro College Fund, as well as other colleges, universities, and non-profits. In 2011, he was selected to Dallas Furniture Bank’s “40 under 40” club, honoring individuals under the age of 40 making a positive impact in the Dallas Community.
Powell resides in Dallas, TX and is the proud father of his 8-year-old son, Carson Powell.