BASIS Schools Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

BASIS Schools has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial operations, brand growth, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence, BASIS Schools delivers a world-class liberal arts and sciences curriculum designed to prepare students for global leadership through rigorous, spiraling educational standards.

Leadership Roles at BASIS Schools

  • Chief Executive Officer - Olga Block
  • Chief Financial Officer - Tom Bickart
  • President - Krisanne Markel
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Liz Lambert
  • Olga Block - Chief Executive Officer

    Olga Block, the Chief Executive Officer at BASIS Schools, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire network of private and international campuses. Overseeing the implementation of the high-achieving BASIS Curriculum, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every location maintains the rigorous academic standards benchmarked against top global education systems. Olga Block manages the expansion of the school network across California, New York, Northern Virginia, and international markets in China and Thailand. By aligning the administrative goals with the pedagogical mission, the Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment where students from Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 12 thrive. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure long-term institutional stability. Through the optimization of operational frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward sustained excellence in the competitive private education sector, ensuring that the curriculum remains unmatched in both breadth and depth.

    Tom Bickart - Chief Financial Officer

    Tom Bickart, the Chief Financial Officer at BASIS Schools, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire network of campuses. Overseeing the financial planning and analysis for operations in North America and international locations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments support the delivery of the advanced liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Tom Bickart directs the budgeting processes that allow for the maintenance of high-achieving educational environments. By monitoring revenue streams and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary financial stability to sustain the growth of the school network. This leadership role involves working closely with the executive team to evaluate the economic viability of new campus expansions. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources required to uphold the international standards that define the organization, ultimately supporting the long-term mission of preparing students for success across diverse academic disciplines.

    Krisanne Markel - President

    Krisanne Markel, the President at BASIS Schools, executes the operational policies and day-to-day management of the school network. Overseeing the integration of the liberal arts and sciences curriculum across all campuses, the President ensures that the academic experience remains consistent from Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 12. Krisanne Markel directs the administrative teams responsible for maintaining the high international standards that characterize the organization. By fostering collaboration between faculty and leadership, the President drives the continuous improvement of the educational environment. This leadership role involves managing the logistical complexities of operating schools in diverse geographic regions, including North America and international sites. Through the implementation of efficient operational protocols, the President supports the overarching mission of cultivating innovative leaders. By focusing on the practical application of the curriculum, the President ensures that the organization meets the evolving needs of students while maintaining the rigorous standards that define the institution.

    Liz Lambert - Chief Marketing Officer

    Liz Lambert, the Chief Marketing Officer at BASIS Schools, architects the brand strategy and outreach initiatives that define the organization within the global education market. Overseeing the communication of the unique value proposition of the spiraling curriculum, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that prospective families understand the benefits of the rigorous academic model. Liz Lambert directs the marketing campaigns that drive enrollment across campuses in California, New York, Northern Virginia, and international regions. By analyzing market trends and parent engagement, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes the outreach efforts to attract high-achieving students. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional directors to ensure consistent messaging across all international and domestic locations. Through the development of comprehensive brand narratives, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the reputation of the institution, ensuring that the commitment to academic excellence remains the primary focus for all stakeholders involved in the educational journey.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BASIS Schools Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads BASIS Schools?
    BASIS Schools is led by Olga Block (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tom Bickart (Chief Financial Officer) and Krisanne Markel (President).
    Who is part of BASIS Schools’s executive team?
    The executive team of BASIS Schools includes leaders such as Olga Block (Chief Executive Officer), Tom Bickart (Chief Financial Officer), Krisanne Markel (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does BASIS Schools have?
    BASIS Schools has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in BASIS Schools’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of BASIS Schools includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Marketing Officer.