Lisa M. Stewart, MBA, CAE, is the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Literacy Coalition provides adult basic education, high school equivalency certification, career readiness, job training, parenting, and school readiness services to adults and families in Central Texas. Stewart grew up in Pasadena, Texas, and moved to Central Texas in 2018 after working thirteen years in Washington, DC. As a lifelong learner and avid reader, Stewart is passionate about literacy and education.

Stewart’s role today elevates her passion for literacy and education by helping the Central Texas community grow, thrive, and achieve livable employment. Since taking her role, Stewart has led the organization through transition and structural changes related to funding and services. Under her leadership, the organization transitioned into a community-based service model, increased funding with state, city, and foundation partners, and remodeled the curriculum to meet the challenges of today’s adult students. Stewart has also implemented an organizational strategic plan and rebranded the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas.

Before becoming CEO of the Literacy Coalition, Stewart served as its Chief Financial Officer. Her professional experience in nonprofits spans over twenty years, during which she served in leadership roles improving organizations’ financial and operational viability. In Central Texas, she held leadership positions at Connections Family and Individual Services and Providence Place, leading to financial management improvements and healthier cash flows. Stewart was also the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for the Institute for Higher Education Policy in Washington, DC. In her career, Lisa M. Stewart earned recognition as a Non-Profit Finance Leader and was awarded CFO of the Year Rising Star for the Greater Washington, DC Area.

Stewart is a member of the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE), the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), and the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), and she sits on the board of Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA).

In addition to being a CEO, Stewart is also a Concierge Captain at the Brauntex Performing Arts Theater in New Braunfels. She is a member of the Writers’ League of Texas and the International Thriller Writers Association, loves traveling, and spending time with her dog, Toby.