Leadership Overview
Achievement First has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial management, operational oversight, organizational coordination, and human capital development.
Committed to academic excellence and equitable access, Achievement First empowers students through a rigorous K-12 curriculum across Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island to ensure long-term success.
Committed to academic excellence and equitable access, Achievement First empowers students through a rigorous K-12 curriculum across Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island to ensure long-term success.
Leadership Roles at Achievement First
Lisa Margosian - Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Margosian, the Chief Executive Officer at Achievement First, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire network of K-12 public charter schools. By aligning academic goals with long-term institutional growth, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent educational quality across Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. Lisa Margosian manages high-level relationships with board members and external stakeholders to secure the resources necessary for expanding student access. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of school performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in classroom outcomes. Through the implementation of innovative pedagogical frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment where students thrive academically. By prioritizing equity and excellence, Margosian maintains the integrity of the mission while scaling operations to meet the evolving needs of diverse communities. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the organization through disciplined leadership and a steadfast commitment to student achievement.
Benjamin Schanback - Chief Financial Officer
Benjamin Schanback, the Chief Financial Officer at Achievement First, oversees the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire network of schools. By managing complex budgets and long-term financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the sustainability of educational programs across the Northeast region. Benjamin Schanback directs the financial reporting processes and maintains rigorous compliance standards to support the mission of the organization. This leadership role involves collaborating with the board to optimize capital investments and operational spending. By analyzing economic trends and funding streams, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates financial risks while maximizing the impact of every dollar spent on student learning. Schanback drives the development of robust financial systems that provide transparency and accountability. Through precise fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer enables the network to expand its reach and provide high-quality public education to more families in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island.
Jason Russell - Chief Operating Officer
Jason Russell, the Chief Operating Officer at Achievement First, directs the daily operational infrastructure required to support K-12 schools across multiple states. By streamlining administrative processes and facility management, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that educators possess the necessary tools to focus on student instruction. Jason Russell oversees the logistics of school operations, including safety protocols and technology integration, to maintain a productive learning environment. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional directors to standardize operational excellence across Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. By implementing scalable systems, the Chief Operating Officer improves efficiency and reduces administrative burdens on school staff. Russell drives the execution of organizational initiatives that support the growth of the network. Through meticulous attention to operational detail, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that the physical and digital infrastructure of the schools remains aligned with the high standards of the organization.
Cristina Tokeshi - Associate Chief of Staff
Cristina Tokeshi, the Associate Chief of Staff at Achievement First, directs the internal coordination and strategic alignment of executive initiatives across the network. By managing the flow of information between leadership teams, the Associate Chief of Staff ensures that organizational priorities remain clear and actionable. Cristina Tokeshi facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to support the mission of providing high-quality K-12 education in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. This leadership role involves preparing executive briefings and tracking the progress of key projects to maintain momentum on critical goals. By optimizing communication channels, the Associate Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the leadership team. Tokeshi drives the implementation of internal processes that allow the organization to respond rapidly to emerging challenges. Through proactive management of executive workflows, the Associate Chief of Staff enables the network to maintain focus on its core objective of student success and academic excellence.
Jeffrey Wooten - Chief People Officer
Jeffrey Wooten, the Chief People Officer at Achievement First, directs the human capital strategy to attract, develop, and retain top-tier educators and staff. By overseeing talent acquisition and professional development programs, the Chief People Officer ensures that every school possesses a high-performing team dedicated to student growth. Jeffrey Wooten manages the organizational culture and employee engagement initiatives across Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures and performance management systems that reward excellence and foster career progression. By aligning workforce capabilities with the strategic needs of the network, the Chief People Officer supports the long-term sustainability of the educational mission. Wooten drives the implementation of diversity and inclusion efforts to build a representative and supportive workplace. Through strategic human resources management, the Chief People Officer empowers the staff to deliver exceptional results for students and families throughout the entire network.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Achievement First Top Executives and Leadership Team
