Middlebury Posse Alum Named Chief Operating Officer

After years of dedicated public service, Middlebury College Posse alum and former Posse executive Jake Moreno Coplon has returned to Posse as its new chief operating officer.

“I feel like I’ve come home,” says Jake. “My experience with Posse as both a Scholar and staff member has helped me understand the value of good leadership. I’m honored and excited to take on a deeper level of responsibility for the program in this new role.”

Jake returns to Posse in the COO seat after two years as chief executive officer at America Needs You (ANY), a youth-focused nonprofit committed to “addressing the professional development gap for first-generation college students.” Jake was drawn to the two organizations by their common thread: a focus on community empowerment and the development of diverse workforce leadership through higher education. As Jake notes, "a lack of access to education is a major hurdle to economic mobility."

When I think about my mode of leadership, I hope to be a leader that provides opportunity. Posse allows me to make that impact.

Jake’s stint at the helm of ANY prepared him for the responsibility of leading Posse alongside President and Founder Deborah Bial.

“I could not think of more thoughtful and caring strategic thinker to take on the COO role than Jake,” says Deborah. “His education and knowledge of Posse make him an outstanding fit for the organization and I’m thrilled to welcome a Posse alumnus into this role for the first time.”

Prior to joining ANY, Jake was Posse’s vice president for strategic projects and training. He began his career at Posse in 2012 as the assistant to the president before leaving to pursue a graduate degree in human rights studies at Columbia University. Prior to his career in the nonprofit sector, Jake worked at Comedy Central in programming and acquisitions.

"While my work at Comedy Central was formative and meaningful," Jake says, "I wanted to align my career trajectory with my values around access to opportunity."

Jake credits his upbringing for his drive to make meaningful change in the lives of others. His mother, an organizer in New York, showed him how to help communities connect to much-needed resources.

"I’ve been fortunate in my opportunities in college and beyond," says Jake. "When I think about my mode of leadership, I hope to be someone who provides opportunity to others. Posse allows me to make that impact.”