About Us
PDE Action is a nonpartisan policy and advocacy organization that helps reclaim our public schools through policy engagement and advocacy at the local, district, and state level.
If you would like more information or to join our efforts, please sign up for email updates or contact us at [email protected].
Meet our Team
Nicole Neily
Executive Director
Nicole Neily is the executive director of PDE Action and the president and founder of Parents Defending Education. She sits on the board of Speech First, a national campus free speech organization, and has worked at the Independent Women’s Forum and the Cato Institute
Marissa Fallon
Senior Advisor
Marissa Fallon is a Senior Advisor at PDE Action and the Director of Advocacy for Parents Defending Education, where she assists parents and parent groups to advocate for their students. She is a founding member of Coalition for TJ, a parent organization that promotes meritocracy in K-12 education. She has over two decades experience as a business owner and researcher. Marissa has a MA from The George Washington University.
Scarlen Valderaz
Senior Fellow
Scarlen Valderaz is a Senior Fellow at PDE Action and the Public School Advocate Associate for Parents Defending Education, where she assists and equips parents with resources to successfully advocate for their students. Scarlen is an active member of her local PTA and other parent groups that believe in public school student advocacy. She holds a BA in business leadership and has a background in telecommunications and business ownership.
Paul Runko
Digital Communications Specialist
Paul Runko is the Digital Communications Specialist for PDE Action and Parents Defending Education, where he communicates with parents and parent groups through a wide range of digital channels, sharing resources, information, events and news. Paul has many years of experience in media as well as in education.