Leadership

As CTY’s senior director for academic programs and services, Elizabeth Albert is responsible for ensuring that students enrolled in academic programs receive a quality learning and social experience based on research and aligned with CTY’s mission. She oversees in-person and online student programs, curriculum, and integrated programs including Baltimore Emerging Scholars, the Math Academy for Promising Young Scholars, and the CTY Scholars Program. Liz joined CTY’s full-time staff in 1989 after serving as an instructor and academic dean and has held a variety of leadership roles at the center.

As CTY’s senior director of enrollment management, Ron Edmund oversees CTY’s enrollment management, testing, and student accounts teams. He joined CTY in 2019 after spending 20-plus years leading large-scale global enrollment management teams in higher education and K-12 settings. Ron’s passion for education ignited as a biology and chemistry teacher and it burns intensely today as he helps CTY students and families discover educational experiences that unlock their full potential.

As CTY’s senior director of finance and administration, Rachel Gibson is responsible for CTY’s finance, human resources, information technology, and business solutions functions. She joined CTY in 2023, after spending nine years managing large scale, strategic finance and student services initiatives within Johns Hopkins University’s central university administration function. Rachel has worked in education and non-profits her entire career and brings valuable connections and knowledge to her role at CTY. 

As CTY’s senior director of strategic initiatives and public affairs, Tricia Schellenbach is focused on aligning the center to its strategic priorities and is responsible for sharing CTY’s story, mission, and impact with those in the field of gifted education and supporters of advanced learners worldwide. She oversees the communications and marketing and research teams and directs strategic relationships and initiatives. Tricia has held past leadership roles at Johns Hopkins University, Case Western Reserve University, and the Cleveland Clinic.

As CTY’s senior director of development, Meredith Watson leads fundraising strategy and drives philanthropic support for programs, financial aid, and research through alumni and constituent relations, annual giving, major gifts, and corporate and foundation partnerships. She joined CTY in January 2026 with 15 years of experience in fundraising for independent schools, higher education, and nonprofits. Meredith seeks to inspire giving that opens doors for the next generation of learners and to create pathways to equity and excellence in education so that potential, not circumstance, defines success.