Staff

Abby Newcomer serves as Director of Fieldbuilding Strategy and Policy. In this role, she works alongside community leaders, advocates, policymakers, funders, and partners across New England to strengthen coalitions, shape public narratives, and advance coordinated strategies that enhance student-centered, equitable public education systems.

Abby brings more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, public policy, advocacy, and the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining Nellie Mae, she served as a Managing Director at ViaNova (formerly Arabella Advisors), where she advised philanthropic collaboratives and funders on strategy, grantmaking, and the design and implementation of initiatives focused on education, workforce development, responsible technology, and children’s health.

Earlier in her career, Abby was a Policy Analyst at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), where she focused on advancing economic opportunity. She also held roles in local and state government. Throughout her career, she has worked to connect research, policy, philanthropy, and community partnership to advance equitable opportunities for children, families, and communities.

Abby holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, a bachelor’s degree from Bates College, and a graduate certificate in women in politics and public policy from the University of Massachusetts Boston. A New Hampshire native, she lives in the Boston area with her spouse and two young children.