As President of TGR Learning Labs and National Programs for the TGR Foundation, Hrag Hamalian leads the growth and development of new TGR Learning Lab locations nationwide and oversees all national programming. He spearheads a dedicated team of educators and program staff delivering high-quality, STEAM-based programming to students from under-resourced communities. Under his leadership, TGR’s state-of-the-art labs in cities across the country are transforming educational experiences and closing gaps in access to advanced learning opportunities.
With over 20 years of experience in education, spanning K-12 and higher education, Hamalian is a recognized leader in social innovation, program development, educational innovation, and expansion strategy. Prior to joining TGR Foundation, Hamalian served as Chief Executive Officer of Bright Star Schools, where he strategically grew the organization from four to nine schools, establishing a comprehensive K-12 educational pathway and six years of post-secondary support for over 4,000 students across Los Angeles. Earlier, at the age of 23, Hamalian founded Valor Academy Middle School, a high-performing public charter school in Los Angeles, serving students in grades 5-8. In 2013, he led the strategic merger of Valor with Bright Star, marking the first merger between two successful charter organizations in Los Angeles—a pioneering move that strengthened resources and impact and has been used as a model of excellence nationwide.
Beyond his direct educational roles, Hamalian has founded, co-founded, and advised technology startups aimed at enhancing access to quality education. His achievements have been widely recognized, including Boston College’s Gold Award, which honored him as Alumnus of the Decade. He holds a double-major bachelor’s degree in Biology and Honors English from Boston College, a master’s in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount University, and an MBA from UCLA.
A leader dedicated to advancing educational equity, Hamalian is a Broad Academy Fellow, Aspen Institute Fellow, Achievement First Accelerator Fellow, Building Excellent Schools Fellow, and Teach for America Corps Member. He is a mayor appointed commissioner on the LA Workforce Board, a member of the Los Angeles Chamber CEO Council, is a YPO Los Angeles member and serves on the Board of Directors for ExEd and Building Excellent Schools, further contributing to initiatives that support underserved communities and foster academic excellence.
