Andrew Simmerman

Andrew Simmerman is a government affairs, nonprofit, and community impact strategist currently serving as Director of Government Affairs for KIPP SoCal Public Schools, one of the largest charter school networks in California. In this role, he leads advocacy and relationship-building efforts with policymakers, community leaders, and education stakeholders to support high-quality public schools and the communities they serve.

Andrew joined KIPP SoCal in 2020 as Director of Community & Donor Relations, where he strengthened partnerships with families, civic leaders, and philanthropic supporters while advancing the organization’s advocacy priorities. Throughout his career, he has built coalitions, led grasstops organizing efforts, and navigated complex policy environments to influence decisions that impact students and communities.

Before joining KIPP SoCal, Andrew served as Vice President of Business Development at RISE San Diego, where he helped advance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across regional workplaces while also working as a consultant and facilitator. His professional background spans education, community engagement, and leadership development, including leadership roles with Teach For America, the University of San Diego’s Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, and Reality Changers.

Andrew began his career as a high school English teacher through Teach For America, teaching 9th and 10th grade at a bilingual high school in the South Bronx. He later returned to Southern California to continue his work in education, leadership development, and public impact.

He holds a B.A. in Advertising from Pepperdine University and a Master’s in Education from CUNY–Lehman College. Andrew is a LEAD San Diego IMPACT graduate, a member of the inaugural RISE Urban Leaders Fellowship, and was named to San Diego Metropolitan Magazine’s 40 Under 40 in 2018. In 2025, he was appointed by CA Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins to serve on the AD79 Education Advisory Board.

Andrew is also a published writer and public speaker, often sharing his approach to effective advocacy and relationship-building through the principle: “Make friends before you need them.”