Appointment to SVP, Solutions: An Expert Interview with Angela Quick

RTI’s President and CEO Tim J. Gabel recently announced three new executive appointments to key strategic leadership roles effective Oct. 1, 2025. As part of this announcement, Angela Quick, Ed.D., was appointed as the leader and Senior Vice President for the new Solutions unit.  

In her new role, Quick will be responsible for delivering customized solutions to solve complex client challenges. She is focused on increasing collaboration, efficiency, entrepreneurship, and creativity to deliver greater innovation, impact and value over the long term.    

Angela joined RTI in 2016 and currently leads the Education Practice Area. She brings deep experience in educational leadership and organizational transformation, having served as deputy chief academic officer for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and interim CEO of NC New Schools. Quick has successfully guided large teams through complex transitions and holds advanced degrees in educational leadership, business administration and science education.  

You have a deep background in education. Tell us about how you got started. 

Years ago, I was awarded a full scholarship through the NC Teaching Fellows Scholarship, and this allowed me to afford college and study at Appalachian State University. In exchange, I committed to teaching in NC public schools for four years. Once I began teaching Biology and Chemistry at the high school level, I realized that I wanted to continue my impact at an even greater scale which led me to leadership roles at the school and then district level. I also wanted to learn more about state educational systems, and I served at the state level for five years.  

How did you make the switch to RTI and business management? 

I was in business management in my prior role pre-RTI and believe that at times you get called to serve in roles that match your abilities and what organizations may need. I also value learning and personally need challenges and new topics to learn to keep me motivated and I gain excitement in leading teams to achieve goals.   

How would you describe your leadership style?  

I focus on servant leadership and aim to treat others as I would want to be treated. A ‘we before me’ philosophy is also an attribute I want to lead by. I also value authenticity and credit my former high school students with holding me accountable to stay authentic. You cannot be fake with teenagers, and I appreciate that about them.   

What advice would you share with early career staff? 

I would remind new career staff that their paths may not be linear and that you will have detours and changes along the way. Take advantage of new opportunities, even if you think you may not have time to lean into the opportunity. Also, learn continuously through formal educational experiences or through self-guided study. Give back; remember who has helped you along the way! You will have mentors, advisors and friends that invest in your journey. Thank them and honor them by giving back to others in the same ways.  

How do you stay motivated?  

I am naturally curious and have to be continuously learning to stay motived. It can be personal or professional, but I need to challenge myself to gain new knowledge. You may be surprised to know I still focus on biology and reading science journals on the weekends. This is what keeps me going.