Todd Hoffman

Todd Hoffman directs the Gambia Academy’s bold efforts to optimise education’s impact on the economies and societies of West Africa. Founded in 2015 by renowned musician and social activist, Sona Jobarteh, the Academy is the first institution in The Gambia to fully integrate comprehensive music training with a rigorous academic curriculum. Professionally, Mr. Hoffman spent the acme of his career developing higher education partnerships for many of America’s largest cities. As CEO of Collegia, he engaged with more than 140 colleges and universities, launching regional initiatives to attract and retain college-educated talent. His record for innovation includes publishing the first multi-cultural guide for Boston-area college students and authoring the influential College Destination Index, an annual ranking of 290 U.S. regions. Since 2018, Todd has focused his energies and expertise on helping The Gambia Academy pave the way for a new generation of institutions that harness African tradition and culture for social change. Here, specialised curriculum and facilities provide the education, life skills and mindset young West Africans need to thrive in their own country. In college, Todd initially studied Architecture, but graduated with a B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.