OverDrive appoints Renee Davenport as first VP of education to lead digital access strategy; former Learning Ally executive brings classroom teaching experience to promote literacy through Sora reading app

April 17, 2025 (Publisher's Weekly) –

OverDrive, a digital content provider for libraries and schools, is expanding its leadership with the appointment of its first VP of education, Renee Davenport . In the new role, Davenport will spearhead the company's strategy to promote greater digital access in schools, engagement with educators, and support for literacy and learning outcomes through Sora, OverDrive's reading app for K-12 students.

Davenport began her career in the classroom as an elementary school teacher, and she was most recently VP and general manager of education partnerships at Learning Ally . In addition, she has had leadership roles at Age of Learning , Houghton Mifflin Harcourt , and McGraw-Hill Education .

Lori Franklin , COO of OverDrive, said in a statement, "Renee's passion for literacy, equity, and empowering educators aligns deeply with our mission. Her unique perspective as a former teacher and EdTech leader will help OverDrive drive the transformation to digital reading to enhance literacy outcomes while expanding access to high-quality content for every student."

Davenport said in a statement, "My dream is that every student has the ability to read and make their own informed decisions. When students can read and comprehend, they can do anything. Our responsibility is to give them the tools to get there, and I'm proud to be doing that work at OverDrive."