About
About
Khori Whittaker is a visionary executive leader with over two decades of experience driving strategic growth, innovation, and mission-driven impact across education, technology, and nonprofit sectors. Based in Tampa, Florida, he currently serves as Founder of Mangoose, a app studio working on end-to-end development and launch of ai-enabled businesses, from ideation and business model design to market entry and partnership cultivation.
Whittaker's deep expertise in education leadership spans K-12 and higher education. As President and CEO of Lighthouse Academies, Inc. (2014-2020), he directed a multi-state charter school network. Earlier, at InsideTrack, Inc. (2005-2012), he scaled nationwide talent acquisition and closed landmark multi-million-dollar partnerships, including major deals with college/university systems through U.S. Department of Labor grants.
His governance experience includes serving as Board Trustee and Vice Chair of the Budget & Finance Committee at Excelsior University, a nationally recognized institution. There, he provided fiduciary oversight, approved annual budgets, and shaped strategic direction for online health sciences programs. He also served on the Academic Affairs and Student Experience Committee and the Presidential Search Committee, among other duties.
In the technology sector, Whittaker served as Executive Director of ENS Labs, Ltd. (2022-2024), leading the development of a pioneering, global decentralized web3 identity platform, building cross-functional teams, and forging partnerships that accelerated adoption. At Circle Internet Financial, LLC, he established and scaled a high-performance talent research and sourcing function in the fast-paced cryptocurrency industry.
A seasoned board leader and advisor, Whittaker has served on multiple nonprofit and educational boards, including Central Florida Urban League, Drug Free America Foundation Advisory Board, and Global Glimpse. He is a member of YPO and a former member of YPO's Personal Networks Council and Leadership Florida Class XXXIV. A NACD Board Governance Fellow (2016), he brings rigorous expertise in corporate governance, financial stewardship, and stakeholder engagement.
Whittaker holds an M.A. in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach (2004), focused on American Government & Law, and a B.A. in Economics from Princeton University (2000), with certificates in Spanish Language and Culture and Political Economy.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and strategic foresight, Whittaker excels at transforming organizations, building strategic partnerships, and delivering sustainable results that advance institutional missions and impact.