The TEAK Fellowship Welcomes Corey Blay as CEO
December 17, 2025 – The Board of Trustees of The TEAK Fellowship, a New York City nonprofit organization, announced today that it has appointed Corey Blay as Chief Executive Officer. Blay will succeed Dr. Denise Brown-Allen, who has served as TEAK’s Executive Director for the past four and a half years. Dr. Brown-Allen will remain with the organization through a transition period to ensure a smooth handoff.
TEAK is a free program that helps talented students from low-income families achieve their potential. Through intensive after-school and summer classes, academic counseling, and comprehensive support from middle school through college graduation, TEAK prepares students to thrive at the nation’s most selective high schools and colleges. For 28 years, TEAK’s model has ensured that its Fellows graduate ready to pursue their professional aspirations and positively impact their communities.
Blay brings more than two decades of leadership experience in education, organizational development, community engagement, and policy. His career spans roles as a middle school teacher, university administrator, nonprofit founder, private school head, consultant, and adjunct professor. In each role, Blay has been dedicated to building inclusive, mission-driven organizations that help young people reach their highest potential.
“Corey is an exceptional leader with deep experience supporting students and strengthening educational institutions,” said Matthew Stopnik, Co-Chair of TEAK’s Board of Directors. “His belief in the brilliance of young people, and his ability to bring communities together make him the ideal person to guide TEAK into its next era of growth.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Corey to the TEAK community,” added Robert Kalsow-Ramos, Co-Chair of the Board. “As TEAK continues to expand its impact, Corey’s vision, integrity, and passion for educational opportunity will be invaluable in shaping our future and building on the strong foundation Denise has created. Denise’s steady leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication have not only strengthened TEAK but have also shaped its culture and long-term vision, leaving a powerful legacy for us to build upon.”
lay expressed enthusiasm for joining TEAK, stating: “I’m honored to join TEAK and humbled by the opportunity to lead an organization that has transformed so many lives. New York City is full of extraordinary young people, and TEAK has been a champion for their talents for nearly 30 years. I’m grateful for the Board’s trust and excited to work alongside TEAK’s dedicated team to advance its mission and deepen our impact.”
Dr. Brown-Allen’s leadership has strengthened TEAK’s academic programming, expanded student support, and guided the organization through key growth years. The Board expressed its gratitude for her service and steady stewardship.
Blay holds dual master’s degrees from New York University, an MBA from the Stern School of Business and an MPA from the Wagner School of Public Service, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago. He currently serves as Senior Director of Pathways Strategy, Implementation, and Outreach at NYU and previously served as Head of School at Manhattan Country School.
About The TEAK Fellowship
The TEAK Fellowship is a free NYC-based program that opens doors to educational and professional opportunities for exceptional students from low-income families. TEAK’s comprehensive support from middle school through college empowers Fellows to achieve their academic and professional goals while becoming leaders who give back to their communities.
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