NEWS RELEASES > JULY 7, 2022
MCHENRY, Ill., July 7, 2022 – Follett School Solutions today announced Chris Porter, who brings more than 20 years of experience leading education technology businesses, has been appointed CEO of Follett School Solutions, Software. He succeeds Paul Ilse, who will remain involved with Follett School Solutions as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Porter most recently served as CEO of Apex Learning, where he guided the digital education company through unprecedented growth during his tenure. Previously, he served in executive leadership positions for PowerSchool LLC, Pearson and Apple.
“Chris is a visionary leader dedicated to helping educators create better opportunities for students everywhere,” Ilse said. “He brings the experience and vision that will help accelerate our growth.”
Britten Follett, CEO of Follett School Solutions, Content who will work closely with Porter, said, “I’m confident in Chris’ ability to lead our software business and collaborate with all of us to grow and develop the products and services our customers have come to know and love.”
Porter was instrumental in the early growth of PowerSchool, which was founded by his brother, Greg, and acquired by Apple in 2000. His father also was an educator.
“I was raised in a family where learning was always a priority, and Follett’s reputation and long-standing history of making a difference in education made the decision to join the company an easy one,” Porter said. “This is a unique time in education, and there’s a massive opportunity for great software to really benefit educators, students and their families. Follett has the reputation, products and people to provide what educators need, and to positively impact education more than ever before.”
Porter earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University and holds an executive leadership credential from Stanford University.
About Follett School Solutions | follettearning.com
Follett School Solutions is the largest provider of educational materials and technology solutions to K-12 libraries, classrooms, learning centers and school districts in the United States, and a major supplier to educational institutions worldwide. Follett distributes books, reference materials, digital resources, ebooks and audiovisual materials, as well as pre-owned textbooks. It also is one of the leading providers of integrated educational technology for the management of physical and digital assets, the tracking, storing and analyzing of academic data, and digital learning environment tools for the classroom focusing on student achievement. Find Follett on Facebook, and follow on Twitter (@FollettLearning).
About Francisco Partners | www.franciscopartners.com
Francisco Partners is a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology and technology-enabled businesses. Since its launch over 20 years ago, Francisco Partners has invested in more than 400 technology companies, making it one of the most active and long-standing investors in the technology industry. With approximately $45 billion in assets under management, the firm invests in opportunities where its deep sectoral knowledge and operational expertise can help companies realize their full potential. For more information on Francisco Partners, please visit www.franciscopartners.com.
###
Media Contact (for Follett School Solutions):
Doug Thompson | Thompson Drake Public Relations | cell: 541.419.4471 | doug@thompsondrake.com
Follett School Solutions Expands Its Portfolio of EdTech Solutions with MasterLibrary Acquisition
April 18, 2024
McHENRY, Ill., April 18, 2024 – Follett School Solutions, a leader in K-12 educational technology solutions, today announced the strategic acquisition of MasterLibrary, the innovator of integrated facilities solutions for K-12 districts. MasterLibrary’s suite manages facilities and fixed assets, facility...
Read more
Follett School Solutions Launches Destiny District Classroom Library Manager
April 15, 2024
McHENRY, Ill., April 15, 2024 – Follett School Solutions, a leader in K-12 educational technology, today unveiled the Follett Destiny® District Classroom Library Manager. This new offering is an integral part of the Destiny Suite, leveraging the same trusted platform...
Read more
Illinois Educator/Author to Headline Virtual 'Book Talk' on June 4
April 11, 2024
MCHENRY, April 11, 2024 — Follett Content Solutions and the McHenry County Regional Office of Education are co-sponsoring a virtual event on Tuesday, June 4 with award-winning Illinois educator and noted author Anthony Reibel that will analyze the concept of relational...
Read more
February 29, 2024
MCHENRY, Ill., Feb. 29, 2024 — Noted author Anthony Reibel will headline a virtual event Tuesday, April 16, exploring the definitions of relational teaching and its impact on student learning. Follett Content Solutions and the McHenry County (Illinois) Regional Office of...
Read more
Follett School Solutions Expands Its Functionality with Livingtree Acquisition
January 23, 2024
McHENRY, Ill., Jan. 23, 2024 – Follett School Solutions, the leading provider of K-12 educational technology solutions, today announced it has acquired Livingtree, an all-in-one fundraising management platform. The acquisition, which closed in December 2023, brings together two partners experienced...
Read more
Local Business's Charitable Giving Program Extends Nationwide
January 17, 2024
McHENRY, Jan. 17, 2024 — National studies reflect when kids struggle with reading, they risk the potential to fall behind in every subject in school. Follett Content Solutions – provider of educational materials to PreK-12 libraries, classrooms, learning centers and school districts in the United...
Read more