Austin Independent School District Executive and Leadership Team

Katrina Montgomery, the Chief Financial Officer at Austin Independent School District, directs all fiscal operations and financial planning. Overseeing budget allocation and resource management, Montgomery ensures financial stability across all district departments. This leadership role involves developing long-term financial strategies to support educational initiatives and operational needs. By optimizing expenditures and managing financial risks, Katrina Montgomery directly impacts the district's ability to provide a safe, healthy, and academically rigorous environment. Ultimately, Montgomery secures the financial health necessary for Austin ISD's mission of preparing students for college, career, and life.

Janna Griffis, the Chief Operating Officer at Austin Independent School District, oversees the daily operational functions critical to student learning and district management. Griffis directs facilities management, transportation, and food services, ensuring a safe and efficient environment for students and staff. This role involves optimizing resource allocation and implementing operational improvements to support the district's academic and social-emotional learning goals. By streamlining processes and managing large-scale logistical challenges, Janna Griffis directly contributes to the district's commitment to academic rigor. Ultimately, Griffis ensures the smooth execution of all operational aspects that underpin Austin ISD's educational mission.

Steven Outlaw, the President at Austin Independent School District, leads strategic initiatives and governance oversight for the district's educational mission. Outlaw focuses on ensuring that every classroom from Pre-K to 12th grade provides a safe, healthy, and academically rigorous environment. This leadership position involves collaborating with stakeholders to advance the district's nationally-recognized focus on social-emotional learning. By championing policies that support student success and operational excellence, Steven Outlaw directly impacts the district's ability to prepare students for college, career, and life. Ultimately, Outlaw guides the district toward achieving its core educational objectives.

Andrew Jackson, the President at Austin Independent School District, drives strategic direction and policy development to uphold the district's educational standards. Jackson ensures the provision of a safe and healthy school environment, fostering academic rigor from Pre-K through 12th grade. This executive role involves advocating for resources and programs that support a nationally-recognized focus on social-emotional learning. By guiding the district's strategic planning and governance, Andrew Jackson directly contributes to the goal of making every child college, career, and life ready. Ultimately, Jackson ensures that the district's leadership remains aligned with its core mission of student development.

Kay Suttle, the President at Austin Independent School District, leads the strategic vision and operational oversight essential for student achievement. Suttle champions the district's commitment to providing a safe and academically rigorous environment for all students, from Pre-K to 12th grade. This critical role involves fostering a strong focus on social-emotional learning, a cornerstone of the district's educational philosophy. By guiding the implementation of effective educational strategies and ensuring resource alignment, Kay Suttle directly supports the district's mission to prepare students for college, career, and life. Ultimately, Suttle ensures the district's leadership effectively advances its educational goals.

Ryman Barnes, the Special Education Teacher and President S. L. I. M. E. at Austin Independent School District, bridges direct educational practice with leadership initiatives. Barnes focuses on ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment, particularly for students requiring specialized support, while upholding academic rigor across all grades. This dual role involves advocating for effective social-emotional learning strategies and their integration into the curriculum. By contributing expertise from the classroom and leading specific organizational programs, Ryman Barnes directly supports Austin ISD's mission to prepare every child for college, career, and life. Ultimately, Barnes enhances the district's capacity to serve diverse student needs.

Lakesha Drinks, the Chief of Staff at Austin Independent School District, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the superintendent and executive leadership team. Drinks manages key initiatives, facilitates interdepartmental communication, and ensures alignment with the district's overarching goals. This role involves driving projects that enhance the academic and social-emotional learning environments across all grade levels. By coordinating efforts and resolving complex organizational challenges, Lakesha Drinks directly supports the district's mission to prepare students for future success. Ultimately, Drinks enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of Austin ISD's leadership.

Artie Arce, the Chief Technology Officer at Austin Independent School District, directs the strategic implementation and management of all technology infrastructure and services. Arce oversees the integration of educational technology, network systems, and data security to support a rigorous academic environment. This role involves ensuring that technology effectively enhances learning experiences and operational efficiency across Pre-K to 12th grade. By driving innovation in digital learning tools and maintaining robust technological systems, Artie Arce directly contributes to Austin ISD's commitment to college, career, and life readiness. Ultimately, Arce ensures technology serves as a powerful enabler of educational excellence.