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Simone Palmer is a senior associate on the Networked Improvement Science team at the Carnegie Foundation. Since joining Carnegie in 2018, she has focused on building the capacity of executive leaders to navigate systems change toward equity-centered improvement and supporting educators through the design and delivery of professional offerings focused on improvement science. Simone has also served as a program lead where she has designed and facilitated sessions, supported presenters, and contributed to the overall success of the annual Summit on Improvement in Education. In addition, she co-authored the publication, Transforming Educational Systems Toward Continuous Improvement: A Reflection Guide for K–12 Leaders.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Simone served as the science and technology specialist for the Rhode Island Department of Education. She taught secondary science for 8 years before completing a principal training program through the University of Denver where she also earned a master’s in educational leadership. Simone returned to her native Rhode Island to complete an urban turnaround leader program through the New York City Leadership Academy. She then served as STEM director for South Kingstown School District before working at the state level. Simone had a career as a pediatrician before entering the field of education. Simone holds a bachelor’s in biology and a doctorate (M.D.) from Brown University.

In her free time, Simone enjoys cycling, playing with her puppy Tobi, and admiring views of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, where she lives with her husband.