The Third Mile Group

 Katy Anthes, Ph.D., a founder and partner of the Third Mile Group, Commissioner of Education in Colorado from 2016- 2023, Dr. Katy Anthes is widely respected for her commitment to listen to diverse perspectives and develop solutions that are founded on productive middle ground. Keeping students’ best interests as her top priority, she focuses on providing high quality expertise and support to policymakers, districts and educators working to enhance student achievement. As Commissioner, Anthes worked with the Colorado State Board of Education, the Legislature and the Governor to craft and implement a vision of education for Colorado. She led the Colorado Department of Education, an $8 billion dollar agency, dedicated to helping districts achieve great things for students. During her time as Commissioner, she served on the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Board of Directors and the Education Commission of the States (ECS), Steering Committee. 

Anthes worked with numerous national education organizations at The Third Mile Group, such as the Council for Chief State School Officers, the National Governor’s Association, The National Commission for Teaching and America’s Future, American Institutes for Research, and many more. Prior to founding the Third Mile Group, she had seven years of research, policy work and leadership experience at the Education Commission of the States focusing on school and district leader effectiveness. Anthes holds a Ph.D. in public policy and a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Colorado Denver. She did her undergraduate work at the University of Oregon.

Tricia Majors currently serves as partner at Third Mile Group where she leverages her diverse expertise to deliver strategic insights and foster growth for clients. She has extensive experience in policy development, project management, budget and resource allocation, operations, and strategic advising. During her tenure at the Colorado Department of Education, Tricia managed a $40 million dollar budget including setting, monitoring and forecasting fee funded state revenues and oversaw many federal and state programs and projects. Throughout her career, she has honed her skills in leading teams and driving organizational success. Tricia's unique blend of policy, project management leadership and strategic visioning positions her as a key asset to the Third Mile Group and its mission. 

Prior to joining Third Mile Group, Tricia has 16 years experience in the non-partisan policy sector serving in roles at the Virginia Division of Legislative Services and the Colorado Department of Education. Tricia holds a bachelors in political science and business administration from Clemson University. 

  THE THIRD MILE GROUP (TMG) is an independent education and policy organization based in Denver, Colorado, that is committed to supporting leaders working in education, policy and administration. We strive to enable effective, non-partisan, decision-making while accelerating positive changes in schools, communities and organizations. Founded in 2006 as a limited liability company, TMG works with individuals, profit and nonprofit organizations, districts and boards, foundations, community organizations, government agencies, policymakers and other entities dedicated to improving student outcomes. We have expertise in leadership development, coaching, managing conflict, nonpartisan decision-making, strategic planning, policy development, facilitation and project management. 

  Every Mile Matters: People, Pathways, Progress 

The Third Mile Group has a supportive, inclusive way of doing educational and social policy business. We recognize that projects begin with people — your people. We work with you and your staff to listen carefully and assess objectives, identify assets, design initiatives, and align projects and networks to carry out the work and achieve the goals of you and/or your organization. 

We believe that responsiveness, flexibility and implementation are underrated skills that when not executed well, can impeded progress. Thus, we ensure the systems, pathways and human capital are aligned to get the job done. We are committed to finding multiple pathways to making progress on your initiatives and achieving your professional goals. Through a network business model capable of tapping experts and organizations around the nation — coupled with experienced staff — The Third Mile Group links organizational goals to the right team of people and resources to achieve success and customer satisfaction.