TAMPA, FL (May 29, 2025) – Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) is proud to announce that Sean Shaw will assume the role of Chairman of the Board beginning May 29, 2025. Shaw succeeds Chris Taylor, who has served in the role since 2023 and will continue to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
A respected attorney and longtime advocate for accountability, opportunity, and public service, Shaw brings a legacy of leadership and legal expertise to the helm of HEF’s Board of Directors.
In 2016, Shaw was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, where he championed consumer protections and expanded opportunities for all Floridians. In 2018, Shaw made history as the first African-American nominee for Attorney General in Florida, running on a platform focused on holding special interests accountable and protecting the rights of everyday citizens.
“Sean brings a strong and steady voice to our mission, rooted in integrity and a deep belief in the power of public education,” said Anna Corman, President & CEO of Hillsborough Education Foundation. “We are excited to welcome him as Chairman of the Board and look forward to the leadership, insight, and bold vision he brings to the role. I also want to acknowledge Chris Taylor’s outstanding leadership and contributions and thank him for his continued commitment to our mission to ensure every student in Hillsborough County receives an outstanding public education that equips them for a fulfilling future.”
As a longtime Board member, Shaw steps into his new role at a time when HEF continues to expand its impact—most notably through scholarship, mentorship, and literacy programs that help students from low-income families pursue brighter futures. Through its mentoring program, HEF provides guidance, college readiness support, and scholarships to help students break the cycle of poverty and reach their full potential. From 2023-2024, HEF awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to support students in pursuing their educational goals.
Shaw is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Florida’s law school. He currently practices law with the Tampa-based firm Swope, Rodante. Outside of his legal and civic commitments, he is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Saint John’s Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, and enjoys life in Tampa with his rescue Greyhound, Hunter.
“I’m honored to serve as Chairman of the Board for Hillsborough Education Foundation,” said Shaw. “Public education shaped my life, and I believe every student deserves the same chance to succeed—especially in a district as large and diverse as Hillsborough County, which serves more than 220,000 students. I look forward to working alongside this dedicated Board and staff to continue making a real difference in the lives of students, families, and educators across our community.”
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ABOUT HILLSBOROUGH EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Every child deserves access to the best possible education — and the teachers, tools, and trusted mentors they need to succeed. But today, this fundamental right remains out of reach for too many young people in our community. Hillsborough Education Foundation works to ensure every student in Hillsborough County receives an outstanding public education that equips them for a fulfilling future. By unlocking opportunities for students, investing in teachers, and strengthening public schools, we’ll make Hillsborough County Public Schools one of the best places to learn and teach, where 100% of students graduate with the ability to pursue anything they can dream.
Learn more and join us at educationfoundation.com.
